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THE 

DAIRYMAN'S  DAUGHTER: 

Sit  gluttttttU  NarratibJ. 

BY  EEV.   LEGH  RICHMOND. 
» 

WITH  AN  INTRODUCTION.   c>, 

COSTAINISG 

INTERESTING  NOTICES  OF  THE  DAIRYMAN,  AND 
A  FURTHER  ACCOUNT  OF  HIS  DAUGHTER. 

BY 

REV.  THOS.  0.  SUMMERS,  D.D. 


RICHMOND : 
PUBLISHED   BY  JOHN  EARLY, 

FOa    THE    METHODIST    EPISCOPAL    CHURCH,    SOUTH. 

1851. 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1850,  by  Johm 
liAKLT,  in  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  Eastern  Dis- 
trict of  Virginia. 


STBaEOTIPED  BT  L.  JOHNSON  AND  CO. 

PHILADELPHIA. 

PRIHTBD  BX  SKIIH  AND  PETmS. 


ii 

< 


T?4/ 


INTRODUCTION. 


There  are  few  works  in  the  English  language  that 

have  gained  so  wide  a  popularity,  and  eifected  so 

much  good,  as  The  Dairyman's  Daughter.     This  is 

attributable  to  the  fine  evangelical  character  of  its 

subject,  and  the  charming  simplicity  of  its  style.     It 

has  been  read  with  equal  interest  by  the  philosopher 

and  the  peasant;  and  it  has  been  the  means,  under 

«»'     God,  of  the  conversion  of  thousands  of  souls.     Its 

^     circulation  has  been  incredible.     JMultiplied  millions 

g    of  copies  have  been  scattered  over  Great  Britain  and 

the  United  States ;  it  has  been  translated  into  nearly 

every  language  of  Europe,  and  also  into  some  of  the 

^    Asiatic  tongues  to  aid  the  missionaries  in  the  evan- 

^    gelization  of  the  heathen.     Its  sphere  of  usefulness 

^     was  greatly  enlarged  by  the  Religious  Tract  Society 

!J     of  London,  to  whom  the  work  was  generously  pre- 

i,j     sented  by  the  author. 

Mr.  Richmond  enjoyed  the  rare  satisfaction  of 
knowing  that  his  unpretending  little  work  was  in- 
strumental in  the  conversion  of  many  souls.  Some 
years  before  his  death,  which  occurred  in  1827,  he 


■5  CZ  f^  (^  i^  (f\ 


b  INTRODUCTION. 

liad  heard  of  three  hundred  and  fifty  cases  ;  and 
since  that  time  the  number  has  been  constantly  in- 
creasing. Just  two  days  before  he  died,  he  was  told 
of  a  clergyman  who  was  very  bitter  against  the  Tract 
Society,  and  who  procured  the  "Dairyman's  Daugh- 
ter" for  the  purpose  of  showing  up  its  defects.  The 
story,  however,  so  charmed  him,  that  he  forgot  his 
undertaking,  was  spell-bound  by  the  narrative, 
yielded  to  its  insinuating  and  powerful  influence, 
and  became  a  subject  of  converting  grace. 

Many  persons,  not  aware  that  truth  is  not  only 
stranger,  but  also  more  potent  than  fiction,  have 
supposed  that  Mr.  Riclunond  drew  upon  his  ima- 
gination for  his  facts — "the  dairyman's  daughter" 
being  an  unreal  personage,  around  whom  the  author 
contrived  to  throw  an  unearthly  charm,  the  success 
of  his  undertaking  forbidding  any  hint  of  the  ficti- 
tious character  of  the  narrative.  It  is,  therefore, 
gratifying  to  be^able  to  authenticate  the  work,  and  to 
produce  such  collateral  testimony  as  will  satisfy  the 
most  incredulous,  that  the  dairyman's  daughter  was 
no  child  of  the  imagination — ^was  not  the  heroine  of 
a  religious  romance,  but  a  real  personage ;  and  that 
the  circumstances  which  give  so  much  interest  to 
her  memoir,  really  transpired  as  narrated  by  her 
biographer. 

The  name  of  "  the  dairyman's  daughter"  was 
Elizabeth  Wallbridge.  Her  father  was  born  in  Dor- 
setshire, England.  This  county  is  situated  on  the 
British  Channel,  and  on  its  eastern  side  overlooks 
the  Isle  of  Wight.     It  abounds  in  fine  arable  and 


INTRODUCTION.  7 

pasture  lands,  and  has  been  accordingly  designated 
"the  garden  of  England."  It  is  customary  for  the 
substantial  farmers,  in  that  part  of  Great  Britain,  to 
rent  their  cattle  to  men  in  moderate  circumstances, 
who  make  their  living  by  the  proceeds  of  their 
dairies.  A  knowledge  of  this  fact  will  show  why  it 
is  that  a  man  may  milk  a  goodly  number  of  cows, 
and  yet  be  a  poor  man,  scarcely  able  to  support  his 
family.  The  writer  has  known  many  such  in  that 
very  county  where  the  "dairyman"  was  born,  it 
being  his  own  native  shire.  Sometimes,  however,  a 
dairyman,  by  great  industry  and  economy,  succeeds 
in  so  improving  his  means  as  to  place  himself  in  less 
ilependent  circumstances :  this  appears  to  have  been 
the  case  with  the  father  of  Elizabeth  Wallbridge. 

The  Rev.  Daniel  Tyerman,  of  Newport,  Isle  of 
Wight,  was  well  acquainted  with  the  dairi/man,  being 
for  some  time  his  pastor.  From  this  excellent  minis- 
ter, we  learn  that  the  dairyman's  name  was  Joseph 
Wallbridge.  It  appears,  that  after  living  twenty 
years  in  his  native  shire,  he  removed  to  the  Isle  of 
Wight.  He  married  at  twenty-seven,  and  by  his  in- 
dustry as  a  day-laborer,  and  the  proceeds  of  a  little 
shop  kept  by  his  wife,  he  made  a  comfortable  livinw 
for  a  man  in  his  condition.  He  lived  for  many  years 
in  a  cottage,  about  a  mile  from  a  village  called  Ar- 
reton.  To  this  cottage  Avere  attached  six  acres  of 
ground,  which,  with  proper  culture,  furnished  him 
with  grain  and  pasturage. 

Mr,  Tyerman  says  that  he  was  distiiiguished  for 
strict  uprightness  in  his  dealings.     He  was  a  man 


5  INTRODUCTION. 

of  great  veracity,  simplicity,  and  integrity,  and  one 
who  brought  up  his  children  to  a  love  of  those  virtues 
which  he  cherished  himself.  But  notwithstanding 
this,  he  lived  for  the  greater  part  of  his  life  a  stranger 
to  vital  godliness.  He  went  to  church,  indeed,  on 
Sundays ;  but  on  his  way  thither  he  talked  with  his 
neighbours  on  their  worldly  afiairs — 'the  price  of 
corn,  butter,  cheese,  and  eggs ;  made  observations  on 
the  weather;  and  told  who  was  sick,  and  who  was 
dead,  till  the  bells  chimed,  and  they  hastened  to 
their  pews.  But  "God  was  hot  in  all  their  thoughts." 

In  this  state  the  dairyman  lived  for  the  space  of 
seventy  years ;  when  his  eldest  son  was  awakened  to 
a  sense  of  the  value  of  his  soul  and  the  importance 
of  real  religion:  he  also  became  exceedingly  anxious 
respecting  his  parents,  whom  he  warned  to  "flee 
from  the  wrath  to  come."  One  day,  as  they  were 
going  to  church,  the  son  began  to  converse  with  his 
aged  parent,  and  spoke  of  the  importance  of  a  change 
of  heart:  "Hold  your  tongue,"  said  the  old  man, 
"we  are  good  enough:  we  go  to  church  on  Sundays, 
we  pay  every  one  his  own,  we  do  nobody  any  harm: 
what  more  can  be  required?"  So  great  was  his  con- 
fidence of  his  own  safety  at  this  time. 

It  was  not  long  before  the  dairyman's  eldest 
daughter,  who  was  then  living  from  home,  was 
brought  to  a  saving  knowledge  of  Christ;  and,  like 
her  brother,  she  also  began  to  feel  concerned  about 
the  spii'itual  state  of  her  parents.  She  frequently 
wrote  to  them  on  the  subject  of  religion,  and  by  her 
correspondence,   and   her  conversation  with  them 


INTRODUCTION.  \) 

after  her  return  to  their  house,  she  became  the  ho- 
noured instrument  of  the  conversion  of  both. 

A  few  months  after  Elizabeth's  death,  the  dairy- 
man was  called  to  follow  his  wife  to  the  grave.  They 
had  travelled  together  forty-six  years  in  this  vale  of 
tears,  sharing  each  other's  joys  and  anxieties;  and 
had  accompanied  the  remains  of  their  two  daughters 
to  "the  house  appointed  for  all  living." 

After  the  death  of  his  wife,  the  good  old  man  con- 
tinued to  attend  to  his  little  dairy,  as  before.  His 
wife  was  not ;  Elizabeth  was  not ;  Hannah  was  not : 
and  Robert  and  William  had  left  their  father's  house. 
Yet  he  was  not  alone,  for  God  was  with  him.  This 
period  of  solitude  was  closed  by  his  youngest  son's 
returning  to  live  with  him. 

He  continued  with  his  son  at  his  cottage  until 
within  two  years  of  his  death,  when  he  removed  to 
Newport,  to  close  his  pilgrimage  at  the  house  of  his 
eldest  son.  Here  he  attended  the  ministry  of  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Tyerman ;  but  he  was  not  long  privileged 
with  the  public  means  of  grace.  In  less  than  a  year 
after  his  removal,  while  walking  over  some  rough 
stones,  he  fell,  and  received  so  violent  a  bruise  on 
his  hip,  that  for  the  remainder  of  his  life,  which 
was  about  fourteen  months,  he  was  confined  to  his 
bed. 

"The  manner  in  which  he  bore  his  long  affliction," 
says  Mr.  Tyerman,  "was  truly  exemplary.  He  dis- 
covered entire  resignation :  in  patience  he  possessed 
his  soul.  He  was  never  heard  to  utter  a  word  of  dis- 
content, or  express  the  least  want  of  submission  to 


10  INTRODUCTION. 

his  situation.  Frequently  asking  him  whether  he 
was  still  resigned  to  the  Lord's  will,  he  generally 
answered  me — '  Yes,  sir,  but  I  wish  to  be  gone.' 

"At  length  the  powers  of  nature  began  to  indicate 
the  very  near  approach  of  death.  He  complained 
often  of  fever :  his  sight  failed :  his  hearing  became 
dull :  his  articulation  was  so  indistinct  that,  the  last 
time  I  saw  him,  though  there  was  something  he 
wished  to  say — and  he  made  several  attempts — it 
was  in  vain.  Yet  he  seemed  to  remain  in  the  same 
happy  frame  of  mind.  A  few  days  after,  he  sweetly 
fell  asleep  in  Jesus,  in  the  eighty-fourth  year  of  his 
age. 

"His  earthly  remains  were  deposited  in  the  bury- 
ing-ground  at  Arreton,  with  those  of  his  wife  and 
two  daughters.  On  the  Sabbath  after,  I  improved 
his  death  in  a  funeral  sermon  to  a  crowded  audience, 
at  his  request,  from  Psalm  Ixvi.  10,  '  Come  and  hear, 
all  ye  that  fear  God,  and  I  will  declare  what  he  hath 
done  for  my  soul.'  " 

This  authentic  sketch  of  the  old  dairyman  is  of 
interest  on  account  of  his  daugMer.  Perhaps  no  one 
ever  read  Mr.  Richmond's  tract  without  wishing  to 
know  more  about  the  subject  of  that  charming  bio- 
graphy. No  apology  therefore  is  needed  for  the 
insertion  in  this  place  of  "a  further  account  of  the 
Dairyman's  Daughter,"  written  at  Newport,  Isle  of 
Wight,  July,  1837,  and  published  in  the  Wesleyan 
Methodist  Magazine,  for  February,  1838.  It  is  from 
the  pen  of  the  Rev.  Benjamin  Carvosso,  a  son  of  Mr. 
W.  Carvosso,  a  well-known  class-leader  among  the 


INTRODUCTION.  11 

Methodists  in  England.  The  writer  introduces  his 
"further  account,"  by  stating  that  the  particulars  it 
imbodies  -were  collected  for  the  purpose  of  incidental 
notice  in  a  brief  memoir  of  Mr.  Robert  Wallbridge, 
a  brother  of  "  the  dairyman's  daughter,"  but  as  they 
covered  too  much  space,  and  were  withal  too  interest- 
ing to  occupy  such  a  position,  it  was  thought  proper 
to  present  them  in  the  form  of  a  separate  narrative. 
An  unquestionably  correct  conclusion. 

Any  thing  new  in  reference  to  "the  dairyman's 
daughter,"  says  Mr.  Carvosso,  must  needs  be  a 
matter  of  interest  to  the  religious  public ;  seeing  that 
intelligent  Christians  from  all  parts  of  the  world,  on 
her  account,  come  to  the  Isle  of  Wight,  and  repair  to 
Arreton  and  elsewhere,  with  all  that  intensity  of  feel- 
ing which  is  awakened  in  others  by  the  sight  of  objects 
connected  with  classical  antiquity.  But  what  is  here 
written,  will  be  found  to  be  more  especially  interest- 
ing to  those  who  cherish  the  most  devout  and  grate- 
ful rejoicings  on  account  of  the  good  which  it  has 
pleased  God  to  accomplish  in  the  earth  by  the  form 
of  Christianity  which  is  called  jMethodism,  but  who 
may  not  have  heard  how  much  "the  dairyman's 
daughter"  was  indebted  to  it  for  all  that  seasoning 
power  which  had  made  her  a  blessing  to  so  many, 
and  that  in  so  many  nations. 

Elizabeth  Wallbridge  was  a  native  of  the  Isle  of 
Wight.  Her  parents,  who  were  always  commendable 
for  their  morality,  were  indebted  to  their  daughter 
for  the  knowledge  of  the  way  of  salvation  by  faith  in 
Jesus  Christ.     Iler  father  survived  her  many  years. 


12  INTRODUCTION. 

Ho  came  to  reside  at  Newport,  where  he  became  a 
member  of  the  church  of  which  that  distinguished 
minister,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Tyerman,  was  pastor.  An 
account  of  him  was  published  by  Mr.  Tyerman,  in  a 
well-written  tract,  a  little  before  he  sailed  on  his  mis- 
sion to  the  South  Sea  Islands. 

Elizabeth  was  born  at  Hale  Common,  in  the  parish 
of  Arreton,  in  the  same  cottage  whence  her  happy 
spirit  took  its  flight  to  paradise.  She  had  five  bro- 
thers and  sisters.  Robert  was  the  eldest,  and  sur- 
vived them  all.  He  died  at  Newport,  Feb.  25th, 
1837,  much  respected  for  his  Christian  character,  and 
having  been  more  than  forty  years  a  local  preacher 
in  connection  with  the  Wesleyan  Methodists. 

Leaving  her  parents  at  an  early  age,  Elizabeth 
lived  many  years  as  a  servant  in  respectable  families ; 
and,  having  good  wages,  she  was  enabled  to  lay  by 
a  little  money  against  the  time  of  need.  But,  not- 
withstanding this  important  testimony  in  favour  of 
her  prudence  and  economy,  yet  according  to  the  con- 
curring statements  of  all  who  knew  her,  she  was 
plainly  far  from  righteousness.  Being  naturally 
cheerful  and  talkative,  given  to  levity,  and  rather 
witty,  she  directed  her  ridicule  and  sarcasm  with 
considerable  force  against  those  who  manifested  any 
serious  concern  for  the  salvation  of  their  souls.  The 
pride  of  her  heart  was  likewise  manifested  in  her 
great  fondness  for  dress. 

At  the  time  when  it  pleased  God  truly  to  awaken 
her  to  a  sense  of  the  vast  importance  of  eternal  things 
and  the  necessity  of  caring  for  her  deathless  soul. 


INTRODUCTION.  13 

she  was  living  at  Southampton,  as  a  servant  in  the 

R family.     The  Methodists  had  at  that  time  no 

chapel  in  that  town,  but  worshipped  in  a  room  which 
they  had  hired  for  that  purpose  in  Hanover  buildings, 
and  which  was  supplied  once  a  fortnight  by  the  tra- 
velling preachers  from  the  Portsmouth  circuit.  In 
the  year  1795  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Algar,  Deverell,  Crabb, 
Jones,  and  Brookhouse,  were  stationed  in  the  circuit, 
which  then  included  what  were  called  "two  missions," 
one  of  which  comprised  part  of  Susses  and  Surrey, 
while  the  other  embraced  the  back  and  east  parts  of 
the  Isle  of  Wight.  In  this  latter  section  of  the  cir- 
cuit it  was  that  Mr.' Crabb  principally  laboured, 
changing  occasionally  with  the  Southampton  preach- 
ers. Mr.  Crabb  was  deeply  devoted  to  his  Master's 
cause,  and  was  very  useful,  and  at  the  same  time 
very  popular ;  so  that  when  it  was  known  that  the 
missionary  from  the  Isle  of  Wight  was  coming  to 
Southampton,  the  little  Methodistic  circle  at  that 
place  was  all  pleasurable  expectation. 

Elizabeth  had  three  fellow-servants :  namely,  Ro- 
bert Taylor,  Elizabeth  Cox,  and  Elizabeth  Groves. 
Robert  Taylor  and  Elizabeth  Cox  were  attendants  at 
the  Methodist  place  of  worship.  The  latter  had  once 
professed  to  know  something  of  religion  by  personal 
experience,  but  was  not  now  a  member  of  the  society. 
She  was  subsequently  restored  to  the  enjoyment  of 
the  blessings  she  had  lost,  and  again  united  herself 
to  the  people  of  God,  through  the  afiFectionate  expos- 
tulations of  Elizabeth  Wallbridge,  and  lived  forty 
years  a  member  of  the  Methodist  society,  adorning 


14  INTRODUCTION. 

her  Christian  profession  by  an  exemplary  life,  and 
at  last  dying  in  the  triumph  of  faith  and  hope.  Ro- 
bert Taylor,  at  the  time  of  which  I  write,  was  a  truly 
pious  member  of  the  society,  and  zealous  for  the  sal- 
vation of  his  fellow-servants.  Elizabeth  Groves  and 
Elizabeth  Wallbridge  both  went  to  the  Established 
Church,  and  had  never  yet  heard  a  Methodist  preacher. 
By  the  latter  Methodism  was  viewed  with  much  con- 
tempt, and  even  angry  dislike,  especially  after  her 
brother  had  connected  himself  with  a  sect  everywhere 
spoken  against,  and  had  even  ventured  to  address  an 
admonitory  letter  to  his  sister,  affectionately  exhort- 
ing her  to  seek  the  salvation  of  her  soul. 

Mr.  Crabb  being  about  to  preach  at  the  room  one 
week-day  evening,  Robert  Taylor,  happening  in  the 
course  of  the  day  to  enter  a  room  where  Elizabeth 
Wallbridge  and  Elizabeth  Groves  were  at  work  toge- 
ther, he  said  to  them,  "  Maids,  will  you  go  this  even- 
ing and  hear  preaching  at  the  Methodist  chapel?" — 
so  they  called  the  little  room.  "Mr.  Crabb,  the  mis- 
sionary from  the  Isle  of  Wight,  is  to  preach.  lie  is 
very  much  liked  as  a  preacher ;  and  I  think  if  you 
were  to  go  and  hear  for  yourselves,  you  would  be 
pleased  with  him."  Elizabeth  Wallbridge,  with  her 
characteristic  levity  and  vivacity,  gave  Robert  such  a 
reply  as  left  him  no  ground  on  which  to  rest  any 
anticipation  of  a  favourable  result.  But  there  was 
an  overruling  Power  at  work ;  curiosity  was  at  woi'k ; 
and  as  Elizabeth  and  her  companion  talked  over  the 
strange  proposal  that  had  been  made  to  them,  (so 
they  considered  it.)  they  became  influenced  by  a 


INTRODUCTION.  16 

strong  desire  to  agree  to  It,  and  to  hear  Mr.  Crabb  ; 
and  eventually  they  were  found  that  evening  among 
his  hearers.  This  step  vras  not  in  itself  decisive,  but 
still  it  was  a  most  important  one ;  it  was  the  step 
which,  in  their  case,  led  to  salvation.  Prejudice  was 
overcome ;  a  degree  of  respect  was  gained  both  for 
the  preacher  and  the  service ;  and  they  both  resolved 
to  attend  again.*  Mr.  Crabb  soon  returned  to  South- 
ampton for  the  services  of  an  entire  Sabbath,  and 
Elizabeth  heard  him  in  the  morning.  Still  a  captive 
to  the  vanity  of  the  carnal  mind,  she  was  led  to  put 
on  her  gayest  attire,  that  her  foolish  heart  might  be 
gratified  by  her  utmost  display  among  the  poor  hum- 
ble Methodists.  The  text  was  taken  from  the  fourth 
chapter  of  the  prophet  Zechariah :  "Who  art  thou,  0 
great  mountain?"  &c.  It  was  a  memorable  time, 
and  the  mountains  soon  flowed  down  at  the  presence 
of  the  Lord.  While  the  preacher,  with  the  authority 
of  an  ambassador  of  Christ,  bore  hard  on  the  sins  of 
vanity,  self,  and  pride,  the  light  of  truth  enabled 
Elizabeth  Wallbridge  to  see  that  she  was  the  very 
reverse  of  being  clothed  with  humility.  Wounded 
by  the  sword  of  the  Spirit,  she  returned  home  in 
silence,  indignant  at  herself.  There  was  now  no 
foolish  talking  and  jesting  about  things  sacred;  her 
mouth  was  stopped;    she  felt  herself  guilty  before 

•  Elizabeth  Groves,  now  Mrs.  T ,  is  a  native  of  the  Isle  of  Wight, 

and  still  lives  there.  She  has,  through  grace,  still  held  on  in  that 
good  way  on  which  she  entered  at  the  same  time  with  Elizabeth 
Wallbridge ;  and  it  is  from  her  that  some  valuable  portions  of  the 
present  narrative  have  been  received. 


16  INTRODUCTION. 

God,  and  trembled  in  his  presence.  Ignorant  of  the 
great  change  that  was  taking  place  in  her  mind,  her 
fellow  servants  were  astonished  that  the  giddy,  tri- 
fling, and  talkative  "Betty  Wallbridge"  had  become 
serious,  and  "slow  to  speak."  But  their  astonish- 
ment was  greater  when  they  saw  her  sit  down  in  a 
chair,  and  actually  tear  off  those  parts  of  her  dress 
which  she  deemed  most  expressive  of  the  foolish  am- 
bition of  her  vain  and  wicked  heart.  Refraining 
from  her  ordinary  food,  she  retired  to  her  own  room 
to  complete  the  demolition  of  her  idols,  and  to  con- 
verse with  God  in  her  own  heart ;  and  in  the  even- 
ing, divested  of  her  foolish  and  outward  adorning, 
but  full  of  eagerness  for  the  ornament  of  a  meek  and 
quiet  spirit,  she  once  more  appeared  among  the 
hearers  of  this  heart^searching  preacher.  This  con- 
tempt and  dread  of  every  thing  in  dress  unsanc- 
tioned by  Christian  propriety  she  retained  to  the 
end  of  her  life  without  change.  From  this  memora- 
ble Sabbath,  indeed,  Elizabeth  was  "a  new  creature." 
The  full  stream  of  nature's  tide  was  turned,  and 
from  henceforth  her  desires,  her  words,  her  actions, 
all  tended  toward  God  and  heavenly  objects.  All 
parties  concur  in  testifying  that  from  the  day  of  her 
conversion  she  was  entirely  and  steadily  devoted  to 
God.  She  seemed  to  be  actuated  literally  and  per- 
manently by  the  impression  of  that  great  truth,  that 
"the  things  which  are  seen  are  temporal,  while  the 
things  which  are  not  seen  are  eternal."  So  absorbed 
was  she  in  the  pursuit  of  invisible  realities,  that  her 
spiritual  exercises  seemed  sometimes  as  though  they 


INTRODUCTION.  17 

would  trench  on  the  regular  duties  of  ordinary  life. 
If  this  was  indeed  her  failing, — if  she  was  in  this 
respect  "righteous  overmuch,"  it  is  the  only  thing 
which  I  have  ever  heard  laid  to  the  charge  of  "the 
dairyman's  daughter." 

I  have  taken  some  pains  to  ascertain  the  struggles 
of  her  mind  prior  to  her  obtaining  that  "glorious 
liberty"  which  she  seemed  ever  to  experience  after 
her  union  with  the  Methodists ;   but  I  can  learn 

nothing  of  the  matter.     Mrs.  Y ,  who  lived  in 

the  house  with  her  at  the  time  of  the  gracious  change 
in  her  character,  informed  me  that  she  could  have 
suffered  but  little  from  her  convictions  of  sin  before 
she  found  peace  with  God,  as  she  had  no  recollection 
of  any  thing  but  gratitude  and  praise  proceeding 
from  her  lips  from  that  decisive  day  on  which  the 
truth  of  God  had  reached  her  heart.  It  is,  therefore, 
probable  that,  being  deeply  convinced  of  her  guilt 
and  danger,  but  having,  at  the  same  time,  clear  views 
of  Christ  as  the  almighty  and  present  Saviour  of  all 
who  believe  in  him,  she  at  once  rested  her  soul  on 
his  infinite  merits,  and  found  peace  and  joy  in  be- 
lieving. Henceforth  she  breathed  prayer  and  praise. 
Jesus  now  engrossed  her  supreme  affections,  and 
she  felt  "the  heaven  of  loving  him  alone."  While 
her  hands  were  engaged  about  her  work,  and  others 
were  about  her,  her  full  heart  would  often  constrain 
her  to  praise  God  aloud.  She  appears  to  have  been 
of  the  happy  few  (why  should  they  be.  few  ?)  who 
could  "rejoice  evermore,  pray  without  ceasing,  and 
iu  every  thing  give  thanks." 


18  INTRODUCTION. 

One  of  the  first  of  her  spiritual  letters  was  addressed 
to  her  brother  Robert.  It  was  written  at  Southamp- 
ton in  an  early  part  of  her  Christian  life ;  and  was 
given  by  her  brother,  some  years  ago,  to  a  gentleman 
in  CoAves,  who  has  expressed  the  value  he  sets  upon 
it  by  putting  it  into  a  handsome  frame  between  two 
plates  of  glass,  and  suspending  it  among  the  orna- 
ments of  his  own  parlour.  The  handwriting  and 
orthography  are  just  such  as  might  have  been  ex- 
pected from  an  uneducated  servant  girl :  but  it  con- 
tains the  genuine  effusions  of  a  heart  overflovring 
with  love  to  God  and  man.  Even  did  it  partake  less 
of  excellence  than  it  does,  yet,  as  it  is  an  original 
letter  from  one  so  celebrated  as  "the  dairyman's 
daughter,"  and  was  written  three  or  four  years  prior 
to  the  date  of  those  which  have  already  been  pub- 
lished, there  is  sufficient  reason  for  giving  it  a  place 
in  this  account ;  but  I  think  the  reader  will  see  that 
throughout  the  whole  an  elevated  and  admirable 
spirit  continually  breathes.  I  give  it  entire,  with 
the  exception  of  a  piece  of  doggerel  poetry,  which 
she  had  picked  up  somewhere,  and  the  mere  altera- 
tion of  slight  and  common  grammatical  errors. 
Seeing  that  she  had  just  begun  to  read  the  Bible 
attentively,  and  with  a  warm  heart,  her  inaccurate 
quotations  from  Scripture  are  quite  natural,  and  only 
Avhat  was  to  be  expected.  I  subjoin  it  as  nearly  as 
possible  verhaUm,  as  I  think  it  will  in  that  state  be 
more  interesting;  and  will,  at  the  same  time,,  fully  re- 
lieve Mr.  Richmond  from  the  charge  of  having  himself 
written  the  other  letters  which  are  written  in  her  name. 


INTRODUCTION.  19 

Sovthamptou,  March  3,  1797.* 

"  My  dear  Brother, — I  received  your  kind  letter 
the  2d  instant,  and  you  may  think  what  a  transport 
of  joy  I  felt  to  receive  such  an  affectionate  letter  from 
a  brother  I  had  so  little  regarded  since  he  had  left 
the  world  and  me.  You  may  well  say  what  great 
joy  it  gave  you  to  hear  I  was  converted  to  God.  But 
are  you  the  only  one  ?  No,  my  dear  brother.  Think 
what  shouting  and  rejoicing  there  was  with  the 
angels  of  God  in  heaven,  that  are  around  the  throne, 
and  continually  cry,  'Worthy  the  Lamb  of  God  that 
was  slain,  to  receive  all  glory,  and  honour,  and 
praise.'  And  blessed  be  God,  who  hath  showed 
strength  with  his  hand,  and  with  his  holy  arm  hath 
gotten  himself  the  victory !  Yes,  and  he  hath  scat- 
tered all  the  proud  imaginations  of  my  heart,  the 
great  enemies  of  my  soul's  salvation.  0  how  true 
are  those  words  of  my  Eedeemer,  that  'whosoever 
is  in  me  is  a  new  creature;' — 'for,  behold,  old  things 
are  passed  away,  and  all  things  are  become  new!' 

0  how  often  would  the  Lamb  have  gathered  me  unto 
himself,  as  a  hen  doth  gather  her  chickens,  and  I 
would  not !  And  how  often  hath  he  stretched  out 
his  arm,  and  I  have  not  regarded  it !    But  how  shall 

1  ever  praise  my  God  enough,  to  think  how  long  he 
hath  spared  a  wretch  like  me,  who  drank  in  iniqui- 
ties like  water,  and  followed  after  the  vanity  of  my 
own  deceitful  heart,  which  was  wicked  above  all 
things ! 

*  By  the  comparison  of  various  dates,  written  and  unwritten,  I 
find  it  should  be  1796,  and  not  1797. 


20  INTRODUCTION. 

"  It  was  when  I  was  sitting  under  that  delightful 
man,  Mr.  Crahb,  that  the  Lord  opened  my  eyes.  It 
was  the  second  time  that  I  heard  him.  And  on 
Sunday  last,  in  the  morning,  I  was  standing  at  the 
window,  and  he  came  past,  and  when  I  saw  him  my 
heart  leaped  within  me  for  joy;  for  I  believe  him  to 
be  commissioned  from  the  most  high  God  to  preach 
the  gospel  of  salvation  and  peace  to  all  that  will  hear 
it.  My  dear  brother,  I  know  it  is  not  good  to  be 
partial  to  any  of  God's  creatures ;  but  I  liken  him  to 
St.  Paul,  for  he  seems  to  labour  more  than  they  all ; 
yet  not  he,  but  the  grace  of  God  which  is  in  him, 
and  that  is  extended  to  all  that  hear  him  speak.  It 
seems  as  if  I  could  say  with  Da\'id,  when  he  is  there, 
'  0  that  I  could  dwell  in  the  house  of  my  God  for 
ever !'  I  shall  ever  have  the  highest  esteem  for  him 
as  a  minister  of  God  and  Christ. 

"And  now,  my  dear  brother,  as  I  have  no  money 
with  me,  I  beg  you  will  apply  to  my  dear  mother  for 
six  guineas  of  my  money,  and  give  them  to  Mr. 
Grabb,  and  tell  him  it  is  a  free  gift  of  a  poor  needy 
creature,  who  has  been  to  the  Lamb  of  God  naked 
and  destitute  of  every  thing ;  and  then  when  he  saAv 
my  wretched  condition,  with  what  tender  compas- 
sion did  he  look  down  upon  me,  and  sprinkle  me 
with  his  blood,  and  give  me  the  whole  armour  of 
God,  the  shield  of  faith  and  the  helmet  of  salvation, 
and  the  breastplate  of  righteousness !  And  now  his 
sweet  voice  still  whispers  in  my  heart,  '  I  counsel 
thee,  my  child,  to  buy  of  me  gold  tried  in  the  fire.' 
What  then  -v^ould  be   the   dominion  of  the  whole 


INTRODUCTION.  21 

■world  to  me,  and  what  indeed  to  the  love  of  God  that 
he  hath  been  pleased  to  shed  abroad  in  my  heart  ? 
My  dear  brother,  praise  God  for  it.  Buy  Mr.  Crabb 
a  very  large  Bible,  that  when  he  looks  upon  it  he 
may  bless  his  God,  and  think  what  good  he  hath 
done  for  my  poor  soul  through  the  gracious  influence 
of  the  Spirit  of  God ;  and  the  rest  he  may  dispose  of 
to  the  glory  of  God  and  the  good  of  poor  souls.  And 
what  is  between  you  and  me  think  no  more  of;  and 
pray,  my  dear  brother,  send  your  children  to  school, 
and  I  will  pay  for  them  as  long  as  I  am  able.  And 
do  see  that  our  dear  brother  is  not  in  want  of  any 
thing  that  I  can  do  for  him.*  I  hope  that  God  will 
be  merciful  to  all  my  dear  friends  who  are  yet  in 
darkness.  May  they  be  filled  with  the  Spirit  of  God, 
and  may  they  feel  the  pardoning  love  of  God  shed 
abroad  in  their  hearts !  Do,  my  dear  brother,  if  pos- 
sible, assemble  them  together,  and  prevail  on  that 
good  man,  Mr.  Crabb,  to  be  with  them,  if  possible, 
(I  know  he  is  a  dear  lover  of  souls,)  that  he  may 
assist  them  in  turning  to  God.  I  fear  what  you  can 
say  to  them  will  be  of  no  great  use ;  for,  remember 
the  words  of  our  Saviour,  that  'a  prophet  hath  no 
honour  in  his  own  country.'  My  dear  brother,  how 
can  you  rest  seeing  any  so  nearly  related  to  you 
so  far  from  God?  0  when  will  God  cease  to  be 
merciful !  It  is  said  when  the  tide  ceases  to  ebb 
and  flow,  then  may  God  cease  to  be  merciful.  See 
them, — 

*  He  was  then  afflicted,  and  in  needy  circumstances. 


22  INTRODUCTION. 

'  Lo,  on  a  narrow  neck  of  land, 
'Twixt  two  unbounded  seas  they  stand  I 
0  God,  their  inmost  soul  convert!' 

Be  sure  you  do  as  I  have  desired,  in  the  name  of  the 
Lord,  and  for  the  glory  of  his  holy  name ;  and  my 
love  to  all  that  are  in  him,  and  that  are  wanting  to 
turn  to  him.  Pray  excuse  this,  and  write  as  soon 
as  you  conveniently  can.     Adieu,  dear  brother, 

Elizabeth  Wallbridge." 

I  should  rejoice  to  have  added  here  an  extract 
from  a  letter  which  she  wrote  to  her  brother  not 
long  after  this,  and  in  which  she  gave  an  interesting 
account  of  the  manner  of  her  receiving  the  blessing 
of  entire  sanctification ;  but  Mr.  Wallbridge  informed 
me  that  it  was  lost  or  destroyed  before  the  preserva- 
tion of  her  letters  was  deemed  a  matter  of  any  special 
moment. 

Within  the  year  after  her  joining  the  Methodist 
society,  she  was  obliged,  by  ill  health,  to  leave  her 
situation  at  Southampton,  and  return  to  her  parents 
at  Arreton.  Getting  a  little  better,  she  went  to 
reside  in  a  pious  family  belonging  to  the  Wesleyan 
society  at  West  Cowes.  After  this  she  took  up  her 
abode  in  other  pious  families  in  the  island;  but  not 
quite  recovering  her  health,  and  having  something 
laid  by  from  her  former  year's  earnings,  she  did  not, 
after  leaving  Southampton,  hire  herself  any  more  as 
a  servant  for  stipulated  wages.  Choosing  now  to 
wear  the  humblest  apparel,  and  desiring  nothing 
but  the  plainest  food,  and,  at  the  same  time,  walking 


INTRODUCTION.  23 

as  she  did  as  on  the  verge  of  eternity,  she  felt  that 
she  wanted  but  little  here  below,  and  saw  that  she 
should  not  want  that  little  long. 

As  an  instance  of  her  mortified  spirit  and  self-an- 
nihilation, a  friend  of  hers  (who  has  just  now  gone 
to  join  her  above)  informed  me  that  she  dined  with 
him,  he  believed,  the  last  time  she  was  at  Newport ; 
and  when  they  sat  down  to  partake  of  the  humble 
meal  provided  for  them,  she  abstained  from  the  use 
of  any  thing  but  potatoes:  declaring  that  so  deeply 
was  she  penetrated  with  a  sense  of  her  own  unwor- 
thiness  in  the  sight  of  God,  that  she  felt  that  only 
the  meanest  fare  was  fit  for  the  use  of  such  a  sinner 
as  she  was ;  exemplifying  the  feeling  of  the  patriarch 
when  he  exclaimed,  "  I  am  not  worthy  of  the  least 
of  all  thy  mercies." 

In  the  above  letter  we  have  a  striking  development 
of  her  benevolent  and  generous  spirit  as  to  others, 
however  self-denying  she  might  be  in  regard  to  her 
own  personal  comforts.  There  was  in  the  Newport 
society  a  pious  and  a  very  afilicted  man  of  the  name 
of  William  Adey,  well  known  and  much  esteemed  : 
but  at  this  time  he  and  his  wife  were  poor  and  much 
distressed.  The  charitable  dairyman's  daughter, 
now  residing  at  Cowes,  heard  of  his  case,  and  for- 
warded for  him  a  small  parcel  to  a  mutual  friend 
residing  at  Newport,  who  took  it  at  once  to  hLs 
needy  brother,  and  carelessly  throwing  it  on  the 
table,  said,  vrith  apparent  unconcern,  "  I  wish  you 
may  find  a  guinea  in  it."  On  opening  its  careful 
foldings,  to  their  agreeable  and  grateful  surprise,  it 


24  INTRODUCTION. 

did  contain  "a  guinea  for  William  Adey,  presented 
to  him  by  Elizabeth  Wallbridge."  William  told  me 
this  himself,  with  much  emotion,  on  his  dying-bed, 
on  my  incidentally  asking  him  if  he  knew  any  thing 
of  her.  He  added,  "0  she  was  a  good  creature!  and 
at  another  time,  when  she  knew  I  was  in  want,  she 
kindly  sent  me  half  a  guinea." 

She  lived  in  the  spirit  of  obedience  to  that  useful 
direction  of  Methodism,  "Exhort,  instruct,  reprove 
all  you  have  any  intercourse  with."  None  were 
spared ;  not  even  old  professors,  when  she  saw  any 
hope  of  being  useful.  And  a  word  of  exhortation  or 
reproof  was  sometimes  followed  by  an  act  of  kind- 
ness in  reference  to  temporal  circumstances,  in  order 
to  enforce  attention  to  matters  of  higher  moment. 
A  little  before  her  death,  happening  to  be  at  a  house 
in  Newport,  a  neighbour  stepped  in,  a  poor  woman, 
and  destitute  of  religion,  Elizabeth  seized  the  op- 
portunity of  conversing  with  her  very  closely  about 
her  soul,  and  the  affairs  of  another  world ;  and,  that 
she  might  fasten  the  words  of  holy  counsel  on  the 
heart  of  the  poor  woman,  she  immediately  afterward 
sent  her  one  of  her  own  gowns,  of  some  value. 

Such  was  "the  dairyman's  daughter,"  when  she 
so  providentially  fell  into  the  hands  of  the  Rev.  Legh 
Richmond.  Till  that  period  it  does  not  appear  that 
she  had  intercourse  with  any  other  Christian  friends 
but  the  Methodists.  By  them  her  dying-bed  was 
surrounded,  and  they  followed  her  remains  to  the 
grave.  The  "remarkably  decent-looking  woman," 
of  whom  Mr.  Richmond  speaks  in  his  beautiful 


INTRODUCTION.  25 

description  of  Elizabeth's  funeral,  was  the  late  Mrs. 
Prangnell,  of  Merston,  the  leader  of  the  class  there, 
and  truly  a  mother  in  our  Israel:  in  whose  class 
Elizabeth  occasionally  met,  and  of  whom  an  interest- 
ing memoir  was  published  by  the  Rev.  A.  B.  Seeker- 
son,  when  he  travelled  in  the  island.  The  singing 
in  the  open  air,  with  which  Mr.  Richmond  was  so 
surprised,  delighted,  and  edified,  and  of  which  he 
has  given  an  account  at  once  impressive  and  at- 
tractive, was  led  by  one  who  has  been  an  important, 
and  is  now  a  venerable,  member  of  the  "Wesleyan 
society  at  Newport. 

As  this  account  has  been  written  partly  to  correct 
a  mistake  into  which  Mr.  Richmond  has  fallen,  it  ia 
necessary  to  take  some  notice  of  it  before  I  close. 
He  not  only  gives  no  hint  of  the  fact  that  "the  dairy- 
man's daughter"  was  a  Methodist, — this  might  have 
been  very  proper,  cii-cumstanced  as  he  was, — but  he 
conducts  the  reader  to  the  full  impression  that  she 
was  indebted  to  a  clergyman  of  the  Established 
Church  for  the  instrumentality  of  her  conversion. 
By  this  means,  not  only  are  those  deprived  of  the 
honour  which  is  their  due,  but  it  is  ascribed  to  a 
quarter  to  which  it  does  not  belong.  On  this  account 
the  author  of  that  perhaps  unequalled  tract  has  been 
even  severely  censured, — not  indeed  by  those  who 
had  the  privilege  of  knowing  his  character,  and  his 
truly  catholic  and  most  aifectionate  spirit,  but  by 
those  who  have  been  imperfectly  informed  of  the 
facts  of  the  case.    The  matter  is  scarcely  worth  ex- 

3 


26  INTRODUCTION. 

planation,  except  as  it  is  one  of  those  overwhelmingly 
numerous  instances  which  abundantly  prove  that 
God  does  vrork,  not  as  though  bestowing  his  "un- 
covenanted  mercies"  sparingly,  occasionally,  and  as 
an  evident  exception  to  his  established  order,  but 
liberally,  constantly,  regularly,  by  the  instrumentality 
of  persons  not  occupying  a  certain  position  in  what 
has  too  often  been  asserted  to  be  the  exclusive  order 
of  the  ministry.  By  those  who  are  not  in  that  order 
God  so  evidently  works,  that  he  is  plainly  blessing 
an  instrumentality  which  he  himself  has  created, 
and  which,  therefore,  he  recognizes;  and  is  not  over- 
ruling in  mercy  the  evil  product  of  human  infirmity, 
and  making  it  an  occasion  of  good. 

Whether  Mr.  Richmond  did  or  did  not  know  that 
Elizabeth  Wallbridge  was  a  member  of  the  Methodist 
society,  I  cannot  learn;  but  I  have  a  full  conviction 
that,  when  he  represents  her  as  informing  him  that 
she  was  awakened  in  the  "  Established  Church"  by 
a  sermon  from  a  missionary  clergyman,  it  was  a 
mere  mistake,  very  naturally  resulting  from  the  im- 
perfect recollection  he  would  have  of  the  terms  which 
she  employed.  Mr.  Crabb  would  at  that  time  be 
called  a  missionary,  as  the  tract  of  country  over 
which  his  labours  were  spread  would  then  be  called 
a  home  mission  among  us ;  and  as  Mr.  Richmond 
wrote  from  memory,  some  years  after  the  events  had 
occurred,  and  when  he  had  left  the  island,  and  resided 
in  another  part  of  the  kingdom,  he  might  easily  con- 
found the  words  which  were  floating  in  his  memory, 
and  suppose  it  was   some  wind-bound   missionary 


INTRODUCTION.  27 

who  had  come  ashore  at  the  island  while  the  vessel 
was  detained  on  the  coast. 

As  the  Rev.  J.  Crabb  is  still  living,  now  a  venera- 
ble and  highly  respected  minister  of  a  congregation 
at  Southampton,  and  has  very  kindly  furnished  the 
writer  of  this  account  with  a  letter  on  the  subject, 
an  extract  from  it  will  set  the  matter  in  a  clear  and 
candid  light.     Mr.  Crabb  says : 

"You  request  me  to  give  you  some  information 
relating  to  the  conversion  of  the  late  Elizabeth 
Wallbridge,  known  by  the  name  of  '  the  dairyman's 
daughter.'  Perhaps  it  is  known  to  thousands  that 
I  was  the  honoured,  though  unworthy  instrument 
of  leading  her  to  Christ  Jesus,  her  only  and  dearest 
friend.  Several  friends  have  urged  me  many  times 
publicly  to  correct  the  little  inaccuracies  in  Mr. 
Richmond's  narrative;  but  I  have  felt  very  unwill- 
ing to  do  it,  lest  I  should  in  any  measure  lessen  the 
importance  and  value  of  the  tract;  especially  as  these 
little  mistakes  no  more  affect  the  truth  of  the  facts 
stated,  than  if  a  man  were,  through  forgetfulness,  to 
make  a  mistake  as  to  the  right  name  of  the  person 
by  whom  a  very  fruitful  vineyard  had  been  planted. 
What  does  that  signify  when  it  is  seen  that  the  trees 
live  and  bear  fruit?  And  no  one  doubts  the  fact 
that  it  is  the  supreme  Ruler  of  the  universe  who  gave 
life  to  the  trees,  and  who  preserves  them  in  life.  I 
was  well  acquainted  with  that  highly  and  deservedly 
beloved  servant  of  Christ,  who  visited  the  interesting 
family  in  their  affliction ;  and  I  once  ventured  to  ask 
him,  at  his  own  house,  'Pray,  did  you  know  the 


28  INTRODUCTION. 

instrument  of  Elizabeth's  conversion?'     'No,'  was 
the  answer :  *  but  I  expect  it  was  under  the  ministry 
of  a  missionary  who  was  going  abroad  to  New  South 
Wales,— I  think  it  must  have  been  Mr.  Marsden.' 
The  remark  evidently  showed  how  he  had  misunder- 
stood Elizabeth's  reference  to  a  missionary.     I  said 
no  more,  only  rejoicing  in  my  own  heart  that  the 
Holy  Spirit  had  converted  her.    Mr.  Richmond  must 
have  fallen  into  the  mistake  by  only  writing  from  his 
memory  some  yeaVs  after  the  events  had  occurred, 
and  not  having  understood  at  the  time  the  exact  im- 
port of  the  words  which  fell  from  the  dying  lips  of 
Elizabeth.     I  lost  sight  of  her  myself  for  several 
years,  being  obliged  to  retire  from  my  public  duties 
on  account  of  ill  health;  but  one  day  a  friend  came 
to  me  and  said,  'I  have  a  guinea  sent  to  me  by  the 
brother  of  Elizabeth  Wallbridge  for  you.     It  comes 
from  her  death-bed,  and  she  desires  your  acceptance 
of  it  as  a  small  token  of  Christian  love  to  you  as  the 
instrument  of  her  conversion.'     I  valued  the  manner 
in  which  it  was  done,  and  received  the  token  as  the 
grateful  gift  of  a  dying  Christian.   I  love  her  memory, 
and  rejoice  that  the  memoir  has  been  the  instrument 
of  converting  and  comforting  thousands  of  my  poor 
fellow-sinners ;  and  I  most  fervently  pray  that  it  may 
long  continue  to  be  a  blessing  to  the  church  and  to 
the  world.     And  I  trust  also  that  your  account  of 
dear  Elizabeth  may  satisfy  all  who  have  heard  im- 
perfect statements  of  the  business.   May  all  the  glory 
be  given  to  God  for  all  his  grace  bestowed  on  us 
mortals !" 


INTRODUCTION.  29 

This  sainted  young  woman,  the  influence  of  whose 
fervent  and  consistent  piety  has  been  so  extensively 
diffused,  and  is  still  operating  on  so  large  a  scale, 
died  at  Hale  Common,  in  the  parish  of  Arreton,  in 
the  full  triumph  of  faith  and  hope.  May  30th,  1801, 
in  the  thirty-first  year  of  her  age.  On  this  interest- 
ing spot,  where  "the  dairyman's  daughter"  breathed 
forth  her  dying  prayers,  and  where  "  the  chariot  of 
Israel  and  the  horsemen  thereof"  rested  for  a  mo- 
ment to  receive  her  happy  spirit  as  it  was  delivered 
from  the  burden  of  the  flesh,  a  very  neat  little  Me- 
thodist chapel  has,  not  long  ago,  been  opened. 

It  is  very  natural  for  the  intelligent  reader  of  Mr. 
Richmond's  narrative  to  express  astonishment  at  the 
beauty  of  style  and  force  of  thought  which  charac- 
terize the  letters  of  "the  dairyman's  daughter." 
Indeed,  their  genuineness  has  been  questioned  by 
not  a  few.  The  specimen,  however,  contained  in  the 
foregoing  interesting  "account"  from  the  pen  of  Mr. 
Carvosso,  goes  far  to  prove  that  the  letters  ascribed 
to  her  by  Mr.  Richmond  were  really  written  by  her, 
and  were  not  viade  to  order,  as  some  have  supposed. 
Mr.  Grimshaw,  the  biographer  of  Mr.  Richmond, 
was  at  one  time  a  little  skeptical  on  this  point ;  but 
on  mentioning  the  subject  to  ]Mr.  Richmond,  the  lat- 
ter produced  some  of  the  original  letters,  which,  upon 
careful  examination,  were  found  to  be  identical  with 
those  which  had  been  given  to  the  public,  with  the 
exception  of  orthographical  corrections  and  the  occa- 
sional change  of  a  word. 

A  few  years  since,  the  late  Rev.  Joseph  Hughes,  a 


30  INTRODUCTION. 

Baptist  minister,  one  of  the  secretaries  of  the  British 
and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  in  company  with  a  friend, 
visited  the  cottage  in  which  "the  dairyman's  daugh- 
ter" had  resided,  and  inquired  of  her  brother  whether 
or  not  the  circumstances  of  the  story  were  precisely 
true.  Mr.  Wallbridge  replied  that  there  was  only 
one  fact  that  was  misrepresented.  Being  asked,  with 
some  degree  of  anxiety,  what  that  fact  was,  he  said 
that  Mr.  Richmond  had  described  a  "vine,"  trained 
near  the  side  of  the  window,  whereas  it  was  not  a 
vim,  but  an  apple  tree!  The  circumstances  concern- 
ing which  he  bore  testimony  were  those,  of  course, 
connected  with  that  portion  of  her  life  spent  on  her 
native  island.  Mr.  Richmond's  account  of  her  con- 
version refers  to  circumstances  which  transpired 
when  she  was  at  service  in  Southampton.  Mr.  Rich- 
mond's error  in  regard  to  the  instrument  of  her  con- 
version, together  with  his  failure  to  notice  her  con- 
nection with  the  Wesleyan  Methodists — confessedly 
a  small  matter — is  satisfactorily  accounted  for  by 
Mr.  Carvosso.  There  is  no  need  of  further  remarks 
on  this  point. 

Shortly  after  Mr.  Richmond's  death,  his  son-in-law, 
the  Rev.  John  Ayre,  published  an  edition  of  "  The 
Dairyman's  Daughter,"  containing  several  additional 
letters  from  this  remarkable  woman  and  two  others 
written  to  her  by  Mr.  Richmond.  These  letters  are 
subjoined.  They  abundantly  prove  that  Elizabeth 
Wallbridge  was  equal  to  the  task  of  writing  those 
that  have  been  attributed  to  her  by  her  biographer. 
They  are  well  charged  with   quotations  from  Mr. 


INTRODUCTION.  31 

Wesley's  hymns,  for  which  she  seems  to  have  had  a 
great  passion.  It  is  remarkable,  too,  that  she  cites 
those  that  are  expressive  of  the  loftiest  grade  of  reli- 
gious experience,  and  evidently  enters  into  the  spirit 
of  the  rapturous  strains  of  that  fervid  poet.  The 
constant  use  of  the  Bible,  the  book  of  Common 
Prayer,  and  Wesley's  Hymn  Books,  will  account  for 
the  correctness,  purity,  and  elevation  of  her  style. 
The  first  two  of  the  following  letters  were  addressed 
to  her  father.  Mr.  Ayre  has  omitted  those  passages 
which  are  strictly  personal  and  private. 

TO   MR.   JOSEPH   WALLBRIDGE. 

Southampton,  Feb.  23,  1797. 

My  DEAR  AND  HONOURED  FaTHER, — 

*  -X-  *  *  *  -X-  *  * 

And  now,  my  dear  father,  I  do  not  know  what  to 
say  to  change  the  scene.  I  suppose  you  were  a  little 
alarmed  the  other  day,  when  the  fleet  of  colliers  came 
in,  and  they  were  taken  for  French.  It  was  reported 
here  that  they  were  landed  in  several  places ;  and  we 
should  soon  have  been  over  in  the  island  for  shelter 
from  them;  as  if  by  that  means  we  could  "flee  from 
the  wrath  to  come,"  or  stay  the  hand  of  an  almighty 
and  justly  avenging  God,  who  for  the  sins  of  mankind 
has  sent  his  judgments  abroad  in  the  earth.  And 
even  now  we  are  ready  to  say  to  that  God  who  hath 
so  long  withheld  the  sword  of  vengeance  from  destroy- 
ing us,  and  still  extends  his  everlasting  arms  of  mercy 
to  save  us — "Depart  from  us," — for  we  desire  not  the 


32  INTRODUCTION. 

knowledge  of  him.  But  I  hope,  my  dear  father,  that 
the  Lord  will  have  mercy  on  us,  and  bring  us  out  of 
that  gross  darkness  into  his  marvellous  light,  and 
set  our  feet  on  a  rock  that  is  higher  than  we  are. 
But  we  are  informed  by  the  word  of  God,  that  if  we 
would  have  all  these  blessings  bestowed  on  us,  we 
must  fix  all  our  hopes  and  our  faith  on  the  blessed 
Lamb  of  God  that  was  slain  to  redeem  the  fallen 
children  of  Adam.  For,  "as  in  Adam  all  died,  so 
shall  all"  true  believers  "in  Christ  be  made  alive" 
to  God:  and  then,  my  dear  father,  we  may  say, 

"  Prisoners  of  hope,  lift  up  your  heads, 

The  day  of  liberty  draws  near ; 
Jesus,  who  on  the  serpent  treads. 

Shall  soon  in  your  behalf  appear: 
The  Lord  will  to  his  temple  come, 
Prepare  your  hearts  to  make  him  room." 

My  dear  father,  I  hope  that  God  will  not  suffer 
sickness  or  death  ever  to  surprise  us  unawares,  or 
find  us  in  a  state  unprepared. 

******** 

Please  to  give  my  duty  to  my  dear  and  tender 
mother,  and  accept  the  same  yourself,  and  love  to 
dear  brothers  and  sisters;  and  may  the  blessed 
Spirit  of  God  be  very  powerful  in  all  your  hearts  to 
root  out  every  evil. 

LETTER  IL 

Sonthampton,  Aiyril  11,  1797. 
My  dear  Father, — I  have  been  silent  longer  than 
I  should,  had  my  dear  sister  written  before :  but  as 


INTRODUCTION-  33 

I  know  all  things  are  guided  and  governed  by  Him 
whom  my  soul  loTeth,  I  wait  patiently  his  appointed 
time.  0,  my  dear  father,  it  is  good  to  trust  in  him, 
to  call  upon  him,  to  honour  his  holy  name.  0,  if 
you  have  not  tasted  how  good  and  gracious  the  Lord 
is,  then  turn  and  seek  him  while  he  may  be  found. 
None  ever  sought  his  glorious  face  in  vain ;  and  those 
•'  that  come  unto  me  (saith  the  dear  Lamb  of  God)  I 
will  in  no  wise  cast  out."  No :  his  tender  love,  pity, 
and  compassion  never  fail  to  poor  sinners.  No: 
though  my  dear  mother  and  father  have  lived  near 
to  the  time  that  my  God  hath  said  shall  be  the  age 
of  man;  and  ye  have  still  been  sinning  and  grieving, 
and  hiding  as  it  were  your  faces  from  that  God  who 
is  still  pursuing  you  with  his  love  and  mercy,  yea, 
even  the  blessed  Jesus,  who  is  still  making  interces- 
sion for  sinners  at  his  Father's  right  hand.     And 

"  When  Justice  bared  the  sword 
To  cut  the  fig-tree  down, 
The  pity  of  my  Lord 

Cried,  Let  it  still  alone : 
The  Father  mild  inclined  his  ea»'. 
And  spares  us  yet  another  year." 

But  remember,  my  dear  friends,  his  blessed  words: 
"My  Spirit  will  not  always  strive  with  man;"  and 
"Except  you  are  born  again  ye  cannot  inherit  the 
kingdom  of  heaven ;"  and  if  you  are  not  washed  in 
the  precious  blood  of  that  dear  Lamb  of  God,  you 
can  have  no  part  with  him;  and  if  his  Spirit  does 
not  "bear  witness  with  your  spirit"  that  you  are 
born  of  God,  you  are  still  in  your  sins,  and  "strangers 


34  INTRODUCTION. 

to  the  blood  that  bought  you  on  the  tree."     0 !  my 
daily  prayer  to  God  is,  that  he  will  "turu  you,  and 
so  shall  you  be  turned."     0!  the  dear  Redeemer 
still  waits  to  be  gracious:  he  is  ever  ready  to  pardon 
your  sins,  and  seal  it  with  his  precious  blood :  he  is 
ever  calling,  "  Come  unto  me,  all  ye  that  do  labour 
and  are  heavy  laden"  with  the  burden  of  your  sins, 
"and  I  will  give  you  rest."    Then  I  entreat  you,  my 
dear  friends,  in  the  name  of  the  most  high  God,  that 
ye  turn  and  lay  hold  of  the  ever-blessed  Jesus  as 
your  shield  of  faith,  and  he  will  arm  you  with  the 
whole  armour  of  God.     But  remember  this:  though 
God  is  full  of  love  and  mercy,  yet  he  will  be  sought 
unto.     Then  draw  nigh  unto  God  in  secret  prayer, 
and  God  will  draw  nigh  unto  your  precious  souls, 
and  that  to  bless  them ;  and  will  say  unto  you.  Be- 
lieve on  me,  "my  grace  is  sufScient  for  you,"  I  will 
cleanse  you  in  my  precious  blood,  and  then  shall 
your  leprosy  be  healed,  and  you  shall  return  without 
spot.     And  then  you  must  watch,  and  pray  to  him 
continually  to  keep  you  clean.     0!   he  is  always 
more  ready  to  hear  than  we  are  to  pray,  and  more 
ready  to  give  than  we  to  ask.     Remember,  my  dear 
father,  that  the  language  of  every  prayerless^  and 
unconverted  soul  is,  "Depart  from  me,  0  God;"  for 
I  desire  not  the  knowledge  of  the  Most  High.     Then 
put  off  the  evil  day  no  longer,  lest  you  should  hear 
7dm  say,  who  is  willing  and  able  to  save  to  the  utmost 
those  that  come  unto  him,  "I  have  stretched  out  my 
hand  all  the  day  long,  and  no  man  regarded."    And 
"behold  I  knock  at  the  door  of  every  man's  heart, 


INTRODUCTION.  35 

and  to  him  that  openeth  unto  me  I  -will  come  in,  and 
sup  with  him,  and  he  -with  me."  My  dear  father, 
tliese  are  blessed  and  comfortable  words ;  and  I  am 
his  living  witness,  and  I  "set  my  seal"  that  Jesus  is 
true.  0  the  happy  state  of  the  children  of  God! 
Xow  I  ask  and  receive :  I  seek  and  I  find  him  whom 
my  soul  loveth ;  yea,  I  always  find  I  have  a  very 
near  access,  through  his  blessed  intercession,  to  sup- 
plicate the  throne  of  grace;  and  now  I  can  say, 

"Before  the  throne  my  Surety  stands, 
My  name  is  written  on  his  hands ;" 

and  now  I  am  so  filled  with  the  peace  and  love  of 
God,  that  I  can  lift  up  my  soul  and  say, 

"  My  God,  I  know,  I  feel  thee  mine, 
And  will  not  quit  my  claim, 
Till  all  I  have  is  lost  in  thine. 
And  all  renewed  I  am ;"' 


and 


"Where'er  I  am,  where'er  I  move, 
I  meet  the  object  of  my  love." 


The  Lord  doth  so  strengthen  my  faith  in  him  that 
I  find  all  his  promises  stand  engaged  to  make  me 
blessed.  0  may  God  pardon  what  his  poor  un- 
worthy dust  has  written  through  ignorance,  which 
is  not  agreeable  to  his  most  blessed  will,  which  I 
will  ever  seek  to  fulfil.' 

*         *         ■«•         ^c-  *         *  *         * 

I  have  so  little  taste  for  the  conversation  of  this 
world,  that  it  is  very  unpleasant  to  think  on  it.  My 
sister's  love  and  duty  to  all.  IMr.  B.  will  be  in  the 
island  soon,  please  God,  and  then  you  are  to  write  to 


36  INTRODUCTION. 

her.  Desire  my  brother  to  write  to  and  direct  her 
to  the  house  of  God  in  Bath,  for  she  is  still  walking 
in  darkness  and  is  ignorant  of  it.  0  may  the  Lord 
be  graciously  pleased  to  bring  you  all  into  his  mar- 
vellous light,  that  you  may  praise  him  in  time  and 
eternity:  then  strive  to  enter  in  at  the  strait  gate. 
.  .  .  If  the  Lord  shall  please  to  spare  me,  I 
hope  to  see  you  ere  long ;  if  not  in  this  world,  in 
that  where  we  shall  bask  in  unutterable  bliss.  My 
dear  friends,  take  not  this  advice  amiss  from  your 
unworthy  child ;  it  is  the  command  of  my  blessed 
Lord,  "When  thou  art  converted,  remember  thy 
brethren:"  and  I  daily  take  up  my  cross  and  follow 
him  whithersoever  he  goeth:  and  I  pray  God  enable 
you  to  do  the  same.  0  how  should  I  rejoice  and 
praise  my  God  to  see  you  enabled,  through  the  in- 
spiration of  the  Spirit  of  the  Most  High,  to  answer 
this  ill-written  letter! — Farewell,  in  the  Lord,  dear 
friends. 

The  third  letter  is  to  her  sister. 
LETTER  m. 

€otoes,  October  14,  1798. 

Mr  DEAR  Sister, — I  have  not  had  a  convenient 
opportunity  to  write  till  now :  I  hope  you  have  not 
been  unhappy  at  my  long  silence.  Consider  that 
God  is  my  keeper,  therefore  "I  shall  lack  no  manner 
of  thing  that  is  good."  I  entreat  you  to  commend 
the  keeping  of  your  soul,  spirit,  and  body  to  the 


INTRODUCTION.  37 

Lord,  for  he  is  a  promise-making,  and  a  true  and 
faithful  promise-keeping  God. 

"Then  let  me  commend  my  Saviour  to  you, 
The  ptiblican's  friend  and  advocate  too." 

My  dear,  I  say  that  God  is  my  keeper:  you  will 
say,  he  is  yours — it  is  true,  for  "in  him  we  all  live, 
move,  and  have  our  being;"  but  I  can  say  with  Job, 
"  I  know  that  my  Redeemer  liveth,"  and 

"  Now  he  is  pleading  his  merits  and  death, 
And  still  interceding  for  sinners  beneath :" 

he  is  waiting  to  be  gracious  to  you,  for  he  is  long- 
sufiFering  and  kind,  plenteous  in  goodness  ;  his  love 
and  mercy  know  no  end  nor  bounds,  and  his  com- 
passions fail  not ;  now,  my  dear, 

"  Ready  for  you  the  angels  vrait, 
To  triumph  in  your  bli'st  estate ; 
Tuning  their  harps,  they  long  to  praise 
The  wonders  of  redeeming  grace." 

0  my  dear  sister,  search  the  Scriptures  diligently ; 
pray  to  God  earnestly  ;  for  in  so  doing,  you  will  find 
that  he  is  a  God  "nigh  at  hand,  and  not  afar  oftV 
lie  has  promised  to  be  found  of  those  that  seek  him ; 
for  none  ever  sought  his  face  in  vain,  neither  did 
ever  any  trust  in  him,  and  was  deceived.  0  my  dear 
eister,  if  you  did  but  believe  how  willing  God  is  to 
reveal  his  Son  in  your  heart,  the  hope  of  glory !  O 
how  would  your  soul  be  ravished,  if  Christ  would 
appear  to  you  the  altogether  lovely,  and  the  first 
among  ten  thousand!  Then  could  you  say  thoso 
blessed  words, 

4 


456669 


38  INTRODUCTION. 

"  My  soul,  through  my  Redeemer's  care, 
Saved  from  the  second  death  I  feel ; 
My  eyes  from  tears  of  dark  despair, 
My  feet  from  falling  into  hell. 

"Wherefore  to  him  my  feet  shall  run. 
My  eyes  on  his  perfections  gaze, 
My  soul  shall  live  for  God  alone, 
And  all  within  me  shout  his  praise." 

I  entreat  you  to  read  the  word  of  God  carefully, 
for  in  it  is  eternal  life.  All  the  promises  there  stand 
engaged  to  make  you  blessed,  if  you  truly  repent, 
and  forsake  your  sins,  and  turn  to  God  with  full 
purpose  of  heart,  and  fully  believe  on  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  that  he  will  save  you  from  your  sins,  with  a 
present  and  everlasting  salvation :  for  he  says,  Only 
believe  and  thou  shalt  be  saved.  We  should  receive 
the  word  of  God,  as  if  it  were  the  awful  voice  of  God 
from  heaven.  It  ivill  be  awful  to  the  wicked  and 
unconverted :  ....  0  may  the  Lord  quicken 
your  dead  soul 

"with  life  divine. 
And  make  you  in  his  image  shine." 

0  may  you  feel  the  kindlings  of  love  divine  shed 
abroad  in  your  heart!  Farewell  in  the  Lord,  my 
dear  sister. 

The  following  little  narrative  seems  to  have  been 
intended  for  her  own  private  use.  It  is  apparently 
left  unfinished. 


INTRODUCTION.  39 

November  30,  1800. 

Elizabeth  Wallbridge,  born  July  29,  1770. 

I  feel  my  mind  more  composed  when  -writing,  and 
more  free  from  wandering  thoughts,  than  at  any 
other  time ;  for  I  have  little  retirement,  and  when  I 
have,  it  is  seldom  free  from  disturbances,  so  that  I 
am  almost  continually  conversant  with  the  world. 
The  Lord  knoweth  what  a  burden  it  is  to  my  mind, 
and  how  impatient  I  have  been.  May  the  Lord  par- 
don his  unfaithful,  unprofitable  servant,  and  sanctify 
me  throughout,  soul,  spirit,  and  body,  and  plunge  me 
in  the  Godhead's  deepest  sea,  that  I  may  be  lost  in 
his  immensity !  0  glorious  hope  of  perfect  love !  may 
it  ever  fill  and  lift  my  ravished  spirit  up  to  things 
above:  t7ie7-e  I  shall  for  ever  love. 

I  thought  I  would  just  set  down,  as  the  Lord  is 
pleased  to  give  me  time  and  strength,  a  few  of  his 
particular  mercies  and  favours  as  I  can  recollect. 
He  has  abounded  in  love  and  mercy  to  me :  0  that  I 
had  made  him  all  the  returns  that  love  could  make 
by  giving  myself  a  sacrifice  daily  unto  him !  But 
now  I  have  to  lament  my  shortcomings,  and  to  apply 
to  the  "blood  of  sprinkling,"  which  speaks  my  sins 
forgiven,  and  purifies  my  soul  and  makes  it  meet  for 
heaven.  0  what  a  precious  Saviour  have  I  found ! 
0  that  I  could  make  him  known  to  all  mankind,  that 
all  may  turn  and  taste  the  riches  of  his  gTace !  At 
present  I  am  so  very  weak  in  body  and  mind  that  I 
can  recollect  but  very  little :  they  have  been  decaying 
near  four  years;   but  in  the  Lord  Jehovah  is  my 


40  INTRODUCTION. 

everlasting  strength,  and  whoever  relies  on  him  shall 
never  be  ashamed,  and  shall  be  freed  from  all  slavish 
fears. 

I  seemed  to  have  some  fear  of  God,  and  love  to 
him  from  my  childhood.  His  restraining  grace  kept 
me  from  falling  into  great  and  open  sin,  and  gave 
me  such  a  love  to  truth  and  uprightness,  that  1 
seemed  to  hate  every  false  vray,  word,  and  work,  in 
myself  and  others.  I  remember,  when  I  went  to 
school,  one  of  my  playmates,  that  I  was  very  fond 
of,  used  to  take  every  opportunity  to  get  money  from 
her  mother  unknown  to  her,  and  bring  to  school,  and 
buy  all  kinds  of  little  toys,  and  then  freely  give  me 
and  another  or  two  an  equal  share  with  herself.   But 

0  how  did  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  strive  with  me  at 
that  time  and  convince  me  of  the  evil,  so  that  I  had 
no  peace  of  mind  while  I  partook  of  the  sin,  and  yet 

1  had  not  strength  to  resist  it.  It  was  so  on  my  mind 
that  I  ought  to  make  her  fault  known,  not  to  conceal 
it  and  partake  of  pai't.  I  could  see  it  a  great  evil  in 
the  person  that  sold  her  the  things,  whose  daughter 
took  part,  and,  I  believe,  knew  as  well  as  I  did  how 
she  came  by  it;  but  I  never  revealed  it,  though  I 
always  bore  it  on  my  mind  with  abhorrence.  What 
a  sad  thing  to  yield  to  sin  against  such  clear  convic- 
tions! 

I  was  early  taught  a  form  of  prayer,  which  I  con- 
tinued to  repeat  in  a  careless  manner  when  1  was 
laid  down  in  my  bed,  but  very  often  I  fell  asleep 
before  I  said  them  half.  But,  blessed  be  God,  he 
t:till  spared  me,  and  often  drew  me  to  himself  by  the 


INTRODUCTION.  41 

cords  of  love;  for  at  an  early  age  he  drew  me  to 
secret  prayer,  where  I  often  felt  the  kindlings  of  his 
love;  but  had  none  to  set  me  forward,  so  that  I  often 
neglected  this  duty;  but  when  alone  I  have  often 
felt  great  sweetness  in  it.  I  believe  if  I  had  heard 
the  gospel  preached,  I  should  have  been  very  early 
devoted  to  that  God  I  now  love  and  adore.  But  I 
do  not  yet  love  him  as  he  has  promised  I  shall,  with 
all  my  loving  heart,  when  sin  is  all  destroyed.  0 
happy  moment,  how  I  long  for  it ! 

The  last  document  is 

HER  WILL. 

My  dear  father,  and  mother,  and  brothers, — If  it 
should  please  the  Lord  to  spare  you  all  till  after  my 
decease,  I  take  this  opportunity  to  set  down  what  I 
simply  desire,  if  it  be  the  Lord's  will  and  agreeable 
to  you  all.  If  I  die  under  this  roof,  it  will  be  best 
as  soon  as  I  am  dead  to  have  my  coffin  made :  let 

Mr. make  it,  if  it  is  quite  agreeable  ;  and  then 

I  can  be  carried  down  stairs,  and  not  disturb  you  or 
break  your  rest.  And  there  the  angels  of  my  cove- 
nant-making and  promise-keeping  God  will  watch 
over  me  and  protect  my  sleeping  dust;  so  that  you 
need  not  fear  evil  spirits,  for  they  will  have  done 
with  me  for  ever,  they  will  never  assault  me  any 
more:  I  shall  then,  through  Christ,  who  hath  loved 
me  with  an  everlasting  love,  gain  the  glorious  victory 
over  all  the  principalities  and  powers  of  darkness ; 


42  INTRODUCTION. 

for  they  know  that  I  am  a  redeemed  captive  from 
their  power,  though  they  cease  not  to  tempt  me  to 
return  to  my  former  customs,  that  I  may  be  again  in 
bondage  to  fear:  but  glory  be  given  to  God,  his  grace 
i3  sufficient  for  me;  hitherto  he  hath  brought  me  safe 
through,  and  I  know  he  will  save  to  the  end.  May 
I  lift  up  my  heart  to  him  and  cry — 0  thou 

"Fairer  than  the  Bons  of  men, 
Do  not  let  me  turn  again." 

Let  my  coffin  be  very  plain,  neat,  and  strong,  made 
to  cover  very  close.  Let  it  be  made  white  inside  and 
out,  if  no  trouble ;  and  for  my  shroud  a  little  wool 
will  do,  if  you  like  it ;  it  will  be  less  expense ;  for  it 
will  all  turn  to  dust.  I  care  not  whom  you  ask  to  my 
funeral ;  I  want  no  form  of  young  people ;  I  had 
rather  have  those  that  love  God,  that  they  may  rejoice 
over  me  with  angels  above,  and  praise  a  God  of  love. 
[She  then  names  several  friends  whom  she  desired  to  be 
present,  and  proceeds.]  Let  them  all  meet  together 
that  can  or  will  come,  .  .  .  and  I  trust  they  will 
feel  the  Lord  powerfully  present  in  the  midst  to  bless 
every  Avaiting  soul,  and  reveal  the  secrets  of  his  love, 
Mr.  Richmond,  or  the  minister  of  New-church,  which 
you  please;  I  love  them  both,  because  they  love  God: 
for  "God  is  love,"  and  his  love  constrains  us  to  love 
one  another Do  not  be  afraid  of  disturb- 
ing the  peaceful  dead  in  singing  praises  to  God  and 
the  Lamb  who  hath  redeemed  me  from  sin.  It  may 
be,  my  happy  spirit  may  be  permitted  to  join  with 
listening  angels  who   catch  the  approving  sound, 


INTRODUCTION.  43 

while  all  heaven's  host  cry — A  child  is  born  into  our 
world  above. 

Let  these  hymns  be  sung:  the  37th,  "Hosanna  to 
Jesus  on  high;"  the  35th,  '"Tis  finished,  'tis  done;" 
the  33d,  "Ah  lovely  appearance  of  death;"  the  50th, 
in  the  large  book,  "Hark,  a  voice  divides  the  sky." 
If  the  preacher  please,  for  the  glory  of  God,  and  the 
good  of  the  living,  let  him  preach  a  sermon  from 
Psalm  cxvi.  15,  "Precious  in  the  sight  of  the  Lord  is 
the  death  of  his  saints ;"  and  may  the  word*  be 
attended  with  power;  a  divine  energy  and  the 
quickening  influence  of  the  Spirit  of  God  rest  upon 
the  minister  and  the  hearers,  that  glory  may  be 
given  to  God,  and  great  good  done  in  his  precious 
name ;  that  his  saints  that  love  him  may  he  strength- 
ened, and  refreshed,  and  built  up  in  their  most  holy 
faith;  that  they  may  go  on  their  way  rejoicing  in 
the  strength  of  the  Lord,  from  grace  to  grace,  till 
glory  end  what  grace  begun ;  that  they  may  be  fully 
prepared  to  meet  death  with  Christian  courage.  And 
may  all  my  dear  friends  follow  on  to  know  the  Lord, 
and  experimentally  to  feel  the  saving  power  of  divine 
grace  in  each  of  their  hearts,  that  they  may  give 
o-lory  to  God,  and  triumphantly  quit  the  stage  of 
mortality,  shouting — Victory  through  the  blood  of 
the  Lamb  that  was  slain,  who  is  now  ascended  on 
high  for  ever  to  reign.  But  I  would  have  all  re- 
member, if  they  have  never  yet  been  convinced  of 
their  lost  and  miserable  state  by  nature,  that  it  is 
high  time  for  them  to  awake  out  of  sleep,  and  cry 
mightily  to  God  to  show  them  their  danger  and  save 


44  INTRODUCTION. 

them  from  destruction:  for  without  faith  and  prayer 
you  cannot  be  saved.  Then  come  like  the  humble 
publican,  with  a  feeling  sense  of  your  sins,  and  true 
faith  in  Jiis  merits  to  atone  for  your  sins  and  cleanse 
your  guilty  souls,  and  you  will  be  sure  to  find  mercy, 
pardon,  and  peace,  and  grace  to  help  you  in  every 
time  of  need.  When  I  was  brought  home,  I  was  in 
great  hopes  I  should  see  a  great  change ;  but  I  have 
been  painfully  disappointed  to  the  present  moment, 
which  often  fills  my  heart  with  grief  and  sorrow,  to 
see  sinners  so  unconcerned  upon  the  brink  of  death. 
But  if  I  am  never  permitted  to  see  that  happy  change, 
I  hope  you  will  experience  it,  and  meet  me  in  glory: 
there  we  shall  part  no  more.  [The  remainder  is  occu- 
pied with  tlie  distribution  of  her  little  properiy,  consisting 
almost  entirely  of  loearing  apparel,  among  lier  relatives.] 

The  following  letters  were  addressed  to  the  dairy- 
man's daughter  by  Mr.  Richmond.  The  first  is  merely 
a  short  note,  but  it  is  inserted  as  a  characteristic 
illustration  of  the  style  in  which  he  addressed  her: — 

LETTER  I. 

It  has  pleased  God,  my  Christian  sister,  for  several 
weeks  past  to  keep  me  in  a  state  of  sickness,  from 
which  soon,  by  his  goodness,  I  hope  to  be  relieved. 
I  am  at  present  unable  to  say  half  what  I  wish  to 
you;  but  lest  you  should  suspect  me  of  inattention 
to  your  friendly  and  welcome  letter,  I  write  these 
few  lines  to  say,  that  you  shall  either  hear  from  me 


INTRODUCTION.  45 

at  length,  or  see  me  shortly.  May  God  support  you 
through  your  trial  of  ill  health ;  and  the  nearer  you 
approach  the  other  world,  whenever  it  be  God's  ap- 
pointed time,  may  you  be  more  and  more  heavenly- 
minded.  Peace  be  multiplied  to  you.  I  pray  for 
you,  and  beg  you  to  know  how  faithfully  I  am 

Yours  in  Christ,  L.  Richmond. 

LETTER  II. 

You  may  be  assured,  upon  the  faith  of  one  who 
loves  God  and  would  fain  serve  and  obey  him,  that 
you  are  not  out  of  my  mind,  though  I  have  been  pre- 
vented from  doing  myself  the  pleasure  of  calling  upon 
you.  I  have  also  delayed  writing  till  now,  from  an 
almost  daily  expectation  of  coming  your  way ;  but  it 
has  happened  otherwise.  I  now  acknowledge  the 
receipt  of  your  last  letter,  and  rejoice  at  the  sight  of 
words  dictated  by  a  spirit  of  godliness,  humility,  and 
love.  In  a  perverse  and  adulterous  generation,  like 
the  present  one,  what  can  be  so  cheering  to  the  soul 
as  converse  with  those  who  really  know  the  Lord, 
and  love  him  because  he  hath  first  loved  them?  I 
am  well  convinced  of  the  propriety  and  force  of  your 
advice  with  respect  to  my  conduct,  and  that  of  minis- 
ters of  the  gospel  in  general.  God  grant  such  a  weak 
and  unprofitable  servant  as  I  am  may  find  grace  and 
ability  to  conduct  myself  as  becomes  a  faithful 
labourer  in  the  vineyard !  For  who  can  do  it  of  his 
own  strength  ?  What  are  the  natural  powers  of  sin- 
ful man  to  work  out  the  righteousness  of  God  ?     To 


46  INTRODUCTION. 

the  Spirit  of  Christ,  which  changeth  and  strength- 
eneth  the  inner  man,  we  must  attribute  all :  to  him 
be  honour,  glory,  and  praise,  in  all  the  churches,  now 
and  evermore ! 

I  have  read  your  two  books,  and  find  much  profit 
in  them  both.  It  appears  that  the  life  of  Madame 
Guion  should  be  attended  to  with  some  caution, 
which  Mr.  Wesley  very  frequently  draws  our  obser- 
vation to  in  his  short  notes  at  the  bottom  of  the 
pages.  She  was  sometimes  influenced  by  notions 
which  had  not  a  sufficiently  strong  scriptural  foun- 
dation, and  therefore  in  these  things  should  not  be  set 
as  a  pattern ;  but  her  love  of  God,  and  her  anxiety 
to  be  for  ever  joined  to  him,  are  lovely  and  interest- 
ing. The  true  rule  for  discerning  the  motions  and 
operations  of  the  blessed  Spirit  within  us,  is  to  com- 
pare our  feelings  with  those  ways  of  holiness,  happy 
fruits  of  the  Spirit,  which  the  apostle  describes :  let 
every  thing  be  referred  to  this  as  a  standard,  and  we 
never  shall  be  mistaken.  May  God  so  guide  and 
direct  you  and  me  to  all  goodness,  that  our  works 
may  glorify — not  ourselves,  none  but  Jesus  can  do 
that,  but — our  Father  which  is  in  heaven.  May 
numbers  have  reason,  through  the  mercy  of  God,  to 
bless  our  memory;  and  may  the  seed  which  in  my 
ministerial  capacity  I  am  commissioned  to  sow,  to 
plant,  and  to  water,  receive  its  due  increase  from 
God.  I  assure  you  this  lies  much  at  my  heart,  and 
occupies  much  of  my  thoughts:  seeing  and  "know- 
ing the  terrors  of  the  Lord,"  I  would  "persuade 
men"  with  aU  truth,  earnestness,  and  sincerity  to 


INTRODUCTION.  47 

flee  from  the  wrath  to  come,  and  throw  themselves 
and  their  sins  at  the  foot  of  the  cross,  with  true 
repentance  and  faith.  Faith  is  the  hand  which  we 
stretch  forth  to  receive  the  benefits  of  Christ's  blood; 
it  is  the  soul  of  the  spiritual  life,  and  the  grand  dis- 
tinguishing characteristic  of  the  true  Christian  from 
the  false ;  it  is  the  touchstone  of  Christianity ;  the 
burning  coal  which  sets  fire  to  the  sacrifice  on  the 
altar ;  the  sun  which  enlightens  the  wilderness  of  the 
world ;  the  lantern  which  guides  our  feet  through  the 
valley  of  the  shadow  of  death.  True  faith  never  can 
be  separated  from  hope  and  love ;  they  are  three 
lovely  sisters,  who  take  up  their  dwelling  in  the  heart 
when  it  becomes  the  temple  of  the  Holy  Ghost ;  their 
parent  is  God,  and  their  offspring,  righteous  works : 
how  do  they  shine  forth  in  the  midst  of  a  vain  and 
wicked  world,  like  a  candle  set  upon  a  hill  in  a  dark 
and  gloomy  night !  May  their  operations  spread 
wider  and  wider  over  the  face  of  the  world,  and  may 
the  church  of  God  increase  in  their  fruits,  till  at 
length  the  happy  time  shall  arrive  when  the  king- 
doms of  this  world  shall  become  the  kingdom  of  the 
Lord  and  his  Anointed.  God  hasten  so  blessed  a 
period ! 
I  was  much  shocked  at  the  sudden  death  of  my 

neighbour  .     Such  unprepared  calls  ought  to 

operate  upon  those  that  are  left  behind  as  salutary 
warnings:  alive  and  healthy  this  morning,  who 
knoweth  that  this  very  night  our  souls  shall  not  be 
required  of  us?  Let  us  be  on  the  watch,  and  endea- 
vour to  make  others  so,  for  we  "know  neither  the 


48  INTRODTJCTION. 

day  nor  the  hour"  of  our  Master's  coining.     I  am 
told  that  his  successor  has  given  some  strong  calls 
to  duty  and  attentiveness  in  religion,  which  I  hope 
in  God  will  prove  efficacious.     He  appears  in  con- 
versation very  much  in  earnest,  and  seems  steady 
and  persevering;   but  I  have  only  seen  him  twice. 
In  that  parish  you  well  know  how  much  reformation 
is  wanted.     Alas !  into  what  place  can  we  go  where 
it  is  not  wanting?    Iniquity  triumphs,  and  presump- 
tion darkens  the  very  heavens  with  her  Avide-spread- 
ing  wings ;  blasphemy,  covetousness,  and  uncleanness 
abound  and  prosper;   men  are  lovers  of  pleasure, 
rather  than  lovers  of  God.     Does  not  the  world  go 
just  as  Satan  would  have  it?     Sometimes  he  will 
even  suggest  to  the  faithful  that  their  endeavours 
are  in  vain,  and  he  tempts  to  inactivity  and  sloth  ; 
but,  blessed  be  God,  the  Bible  is  in  our  hands,  and 
there  we  find  arguments,  and  strength,  and  consola- 
tion, and  admonition,  and  precept,  and  command- 
ment, and  encouragement  to  proceed  in  the  mighty 
task  of  beating  down  the  strongholds  of  iniquity, 
and  destroying  the  works  of  the  devil.    Even  though 
"the   overflowings   of   ungodliness    may   make   ua 
afraid,"  God  worketh  the  good  cause,  and  in  the  end 
it  shall  prosper.     The  church  shall  never  fail,  nor 
shall  the   gates  of  hell  prevail  against  it.     Your 
health,  I  hear,  is  weak:  may  God  strengthen  the 
inner  man,  as  he  thinks  fit  to  weaken  the  outer!  may 
his  kingdom  rule  in  your  heart,  though  the  outward 
fortifications  crumble  to  dust.     If  it  please  God  to 
shorten  the  span  of  your  life,  I  trust  you  will  meet 


INTRODUCTION.  49 

your  Redeemer  with  peace  and  joy,  and  that  you 
■will  employ  the  rest  of  that  time  which  is  appointed 
you  on  earth  in  promoting  the  cause  of  righteousness, 
in  combating  the  artifices  of  Satan,  resisting  the 
ways  of  ungodliness,  conversing  with  God  in  fervent 
prayer  and  holy  meditation,  contemplating  his  re- 
deeming love,  and  hungering  after  higher  and  higher 
degrees  of  virtue.  May  the  prospect  of  a  heavenly 
inheritance  keep  you  alive  to  holiness  and  gratitude, 
and  in  looking  upon  the  world  around,  remember 
that  the  true  spirit  of  the  gospel  teaches  us  to  love 
tlie  sinner,  while  we  hate  the  sin. 

Grace,  mercy,  and  peace  be  multiplied  upon  you 
from  God  and  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

Believe  me  to  be  yours  with  Christian  regard, 

L.  Richmond. 

From  the  kind,  condescending,  and  Christian  bear- 
ing of  these  letters,  and  the  spirit  which  pervades 
the  "authentic  narrative,"  it  is  obvious  that  "the 
dairyman's  daughter"  must  have  derived  no  small 
benefit  from  the  personal  and  epistolary  correspond- 
ence which  for  several  years  was  kept  up  between 
Mr.  Richmond  and  herself.  But  no  unprejudiced 
person  can  read  the  foregoing  letters,  together  with 
those  furnished  in  the  "narrative,"  without  seeing 
that  the  advantages  of  the  correspondence  were 
largely  on  the  other  side.  To  what  extent  the  suc- 
cess of  Mr.  Richmond's  ministerial  labours  is  attribut- 
able to  the  influence  exerted  upon  him  by  "  the 
ilniryman's   daughter,"    eternity   alone   cau    show. 


50  INTRODUCTION. 

She  evidently  imbued  his  mind  with  a  measure  of 
her  own  fervour;  and  it  is  not  improbable  that  some 
of  his  plans  of  usefulness  were  suggested  by  those 
which  obtained  among  the  people  with  whom  she 
was  connected.  Thus,  in  one  of  his  parishes  he 
organized  a  society  which,  in  its  main  features,  re- 
sembled a  class-meeting.  It  met  weekly,  under  regu- 
lations of  his  own  framing — adifector\>Q\ng  appointed, 
whose  duties  were  similar  to  those  of  tJie  class-leader. 
This  society,  which  was  formed  in  1801,  the  year  in 
which  "the  dairyman's  daughter"  died, was  doubtless 
productive  of  great  good.  Mr.  Richmond's  ministry 
extended  for  more  than  a  quarter  of  a  century  after 
that  period.  During  all  that  time  he  was  abundant 
in  labours,  and  successfully  engaged  in  his  Master's 
work,  until  he  finished  his  course  with  joy,  and  re- 
joined "the  dairyman's  daughter"  in  "the  palace 
of  angels  and  God."  There  they  will  be  greeted  with 
gratitude  and  rapture,  by  thousands  to  whom  they 
yet  speak  in  this  "authentic  narrative."  May  its 
republication,  in  the  present  form,  add  to  their  num- 
ber and  abundantly  promote  the  Redeemer's  cause. 


THE 


DAIEYMAN^S  DAUGHTER. 


PART  I. 

It  is  a  delightful  employment  to  discover  and 
trace  the  operations  of  divine  grace,  as  they  are 
manifested  in  the  dispositions  and  lives  of  God's 
real  children.  It  is  peculiarly  gratifying  to  observe 
how  frequently,  among  the  poorer  classes  of  man- 
kind, the  sunshine  of  mercy  beams  upon  the  heart, 
and  bears  witness  to  the  image  of  Christ  which 
the  Spirit  of  God  has  impressed  thereupon. 
Among  such  the  sincerity  and  simplicity  of  the 
Christian  character  appear  unencumbered  by  those 
obstacles  to  spirituality  of  mind  and  conversation, 
which  too  often  prove  a  great  hinderance  to  those 
who  live  in  the  higher  ranks.  Many  are  the  difl&- 
culties  which  riches,  worldly  consequence,  high 
connections,  and  the  luxurious  refinements  of 
polished  society,  throw  in   the  way  of  religious 

51 


52  THE  dairyman's  daughter. 

profession.  Happy  indeed  it  is  (and  some  such 
happy  instances  I  know)  whore  grace  has  so 
strikingly  supported  its  conflict  with  natural  pride, 
self-importance,  the  allurements  of  luxury,  ease, 
and  worldly  opinion,  that  the  noble  and  mighty 
appear  adorned  with  genuine  poverty  of  spirit,  self- 
denial,  humhle-mindedness,  and  deep  spirituality 
of  heart. 

But,  in  general,  if  we  want  to  see  religion  in 
its  most  simple  and  pure  character,  we  must  look 
for  it  among  the  poor  of  this  world,  who  are  rich 
in  faith.  How  often  is  the  poor  man's  cottage  the 
palace  of  God  !  Many  can  truly  declare,  that  they 
have  there  learned  the  most  valuable  lessons  of 
faith  and  hope,  and  there  witnessed  the  most 
striking  demonstrations  of  the  wisdom,  power,  and 
goodness  of  God. 

The  character  which  the  present  narrative  is 
designed  to  introduce  to  the  notice  of  my  readers, 
is  given  from  real  life  and  circumstances  :  I  first 
became  acquainted  with  her  by  receiving  the  fol- 
lowing letter,  which  I  transcribe  from  the  original 
now  before  me : — 

"Rev.  Sir, — I  take  the  liberty  to  write  to  you. 
Pray  excuse  me,  for  I  have  never  spoken  to  you. 

But  I  once  heard  you,  when  you  preached  at 

church.     I  believe  you  are  a  faithful  preacher  to 


THE   dairyman's  DAUGHTER.  53 

warn  sinners  to  flee  from  the  wrath  that  will  be 
revealed  against  all  those  that  live  in  sin  and  die 
impenitent.  Pray  go  on  in  the  strength  of  the 
Lord.  And  may  he  bless  you,  and  crown  your 
labour  of  love  with  success,  and  give  you  souls  for 
your  hire. 

"  The  Lord  has  promised  to  be  with  those  whom 
he  calls  and  sends  forth  to  preach  his  word  to  the 
end  of  time  :  for  without  him  we  can  do  nothing. 
I  was  much  rejoiced  to  hear  of  those  marks  of  love 
and  affection  to  that  poor  soldier  of  the  S.  D. 
militia.  Surely  the  love  of  Christ  sent  you  to  that 
poor  man :  may  that  love  ever  dwell  richly  in  you 
by  faith  !  may  it  constrain  you  to  seek  the  wander- 
ing souls  of  men  with  the  fervent  desire  to  spend 
and  be  spent  for  his  glory  !  May  the  unction  of 
the  Holy  Spirit  attend  the  word  spoken  by  you 
with  power,  and  convey  deep  conviction  to  the 
hearts  of  your  hearers  !  May  many  of  them  expe- 
rience the  divine  change  of  being  made  new 
creatures  in  Christ ! 

"  Sir,  be  fervent  in  prayer  with  God  for  the  con- 
viction and  conversion  of  sinners.  His  power  is 
great,  and  who  can  withstand  it  ?  He  has  promised 
to  answer  the  prayer  of  faith,  that  is  put  up  in 
his  Son's  name.  '  Ask  what  ye  will,  it  shall  be 
granted  you.'  How  this  should  strengthen  our 
faith  when  we  are  taught  by  the  word  and  Spirit 
5» 


54  THE  dairyman's  daughter. 

how  to  pray !  0  that  sweet  inspiring  hope  !  how 
it  lifts  up  the  fainting  spirits,  when  we  look  over 
the  precious  promises  of  God !  What  a  mercy  if 
we  know  Christ  and  the  power  of  his  resurrection 
in  our  own  hearts  !  Through  faith  in  Christ  we 
rejoice  in  hope,  and  look  up  in  expectation  of  that 
time  drawing  near,  when  all  shall  know  and  fear 
the  Lord,  and  when  a  nation  shall  be  born  in  a  day. 

"  What  a  happy  time  when  Christ's  kingdom 
shall  come  !  then  shall  '  his  will  be  done  on  earth 
as  it  is  in  heaven.'  Men  shall  be  daily  fed  with 
the  manna  of  his  love,  and  delight  themselves  in 
the  Lord  all  the  day  long.  Then  what  a  paradise 
below  will  they  enjoy !  How  it  animates  and  en- 
livens my  soul  with  vigour  to  pursue  the  ways  of 
God,  that  I  may  even  now  bear  some  humble  part 
in  giving  glory  to  God  and  the  Lamb ! 

"  Sir,  I  began  to  write  this  on  Sunday,  being 
detained  from  attending  on  public  worship.  My 
dear  and  only  sister,  living  as  a  servant  with  Mrs. 

,  was  so  ill,  that  I  came  here  to  attend  in  her 

place  and  on  her.     But  now  she  is  no  more. 

''I  was  going  to  entreat  you  to  write  to  her  in 
answer  to  this ;  she  being  convinced  of  the  evil  of 
her  past  life,  and  that  she  had  not  walked  in  the 
ways  of  God,  nor  sought  to  please  him.  But  she 
earnestly  desired  to  do  so.  This  makes  me  have  a 
comfortable  hope  that  she  is  gone  to  glory,  and 


THE  dairyman's  DAUGHTER.  55 

that  she  is  now  joining  in  sweet  concert  with  the 
angelic  host  in  heaven  to  sing  the  wonders  of  re- 
deeming love.  I  hope  I  may  now  write,  '■  Blessed 
are  the  dead  that  die  in  the  Lord.' 

"She  expressed  a  desire  to  receive  the  Lord's 
supper,  and  commemorate  his  precious  death  and 
sufferings.  I  told  her,  as  well  as  I  was  able,  what 
it  was  to  receive  Christ  into  her  heart ;  but  as  her 
weakness  of  body  increased,  she  did  not  mention 
it  again.  She  seemed  quite  resigned  before  she 
died.  I  do  hope  she  is  gone  from  a  world  of  death 
and  sin  to  be  with  God  for  ever. 

"  Sir,  I  hope  you  will  not  be  offended  with  me, 
a  poor  ignorant  person,  to  take  such  a  liberty  as 
to  write  to  you.  But  I  trust,  as  you  are  called  to 
instruct  sinners  in  the  ways  of  God,  you  will  bear 
with  me,  and  be  so  kind  as  to  answer  this  ill- wrote 
letter,  and  give  me  some  instructions.  It  is  my 
heart's  desire  to  have  the  mind  that  was  in  Christ, 
that  when  I  awake  up  in  his  likeness,  then  I  may 
be  satisfied. 

"My  sister  expressed  a  wish  that  you  might 
bury  her.  The  minister  of  our  parish,  whither 
she  will  be  carried,  cannot  come.     She  will  lie  at 

.     She  died  on  Tuesday  morning,  and  will  be 

buried  on  Friday  or  Saturday  (whichever  is  most 
convenient  to  you)  at  three  o'clock  in  the  after- 
noon.    Please  to  send  an  answer  by  the  bearer,  to 


56  THE  dairyman's  daughter. 

let  me  know  wlietlicr  you  can  comply  with  this 
request. 

"From  your  unworthy  servant, 

"  Elizabeth  Wallbredqe." 


I  waS  much  struck  with  the  simple  and  earnest 
strain  of  devotion  which  this  letter  breathed.  It 
was  but  indifferently  written  and  spelled.  But  this 
the  rather  tended  to  endear  the  hitherto  unknown 
writer,  as  it  seemed  characteristic  of  the  union  of 
humbleness  of  station  with  eminence  of  piety.  I 
felt  quite  thankful  that  I  was  favoured  with  a 
correspondent  of  this  description ;  the  more  so,  as 
such  characters  were  at  that  time  very  rare  in  the 
neighbourhood.  I  have  often  wished  that  episto- 
lary intercourse  of  this  kind  were  more  encouraged 
and  practised  among  us.  I  have  the  greatest  rea- 
son to  speak  well  of  its  effects  both  on  myself  and 
others.  Communication  by  letter  as  well  as  by 
conversation  with  the  pious  poor  has  often  been 
the  instrument  of  animating  and  reviving  my  own 
heart  in  the  midst  of  duty,  and  of  giving  me  the 
most  profitable  information  for  the  general  con- 
duct of  the  ministerial  office. 

As  soon  as  the  letter  was  read,  I  inquired  who 
was  the  bearer  of  it. 

"  He  is  waiting  at  the  outside  of  the  gate,  sir;" 
was  the  reply. 


THE   dairyman's  DAUGHTER.  57 

I  went  out  to  speak  to  him,  and  saw  a  vene- 
rable old  man,  whose  long  hoary  hair  and  deeply 
wrinkled  countenance  commanded  more  than  com- 
mon respect.  He  was  resting  his  arm  upon  the 
gate,  and  tears  were  streaming  down  his  cheeks. 
On  my  approach,  he  made  a  low  bow,  and  said, 

"Sir,  I  have  brought  you  a  letter  from  my 
daughter ;  but  I  fear  you  will  think  us  very  bold 
in  asking  you  to  take  so  much  trouble." 

"  By  no  means,"  I  replied ;  ''  I  shall  be  truly 
glad  to  oblige  you  and  any  of  your  family  in  this 
matter,  provided  it  be  quite  agreeable  to  the  min- 
ister of  your  parish."  "^ 

"  Sir,  he  told  me  yesterday,  that  he  should  be 
very  glad  if  I  could  procure  some  gentleman  to 
come  and  bury  my  poor  child  for  him,  as  he  lives 
five  miles  off,  and  has  particular  business  on  that 
day :  so  when  I  told  my  daughter,  she  asked  me 
to  come  to  you,  sir,  and  bring  that  letter,  which 
would  explain  the  matter." 

I  desired  him  to  come  into  the  house,  and  then 
said, 

"  What  is  your  occupation  ?" 

*•  Sir,  I  have  lived  most  of  my  days  in  a  little 
cottage  at  Arreton,  six  miles  from  here.  I  have 
rented  a  few  acres  of  gi'ound,  and  kept  some  cows, 
which,  in  addition  to  my  day  labour,  has  been  the 
means  of  supporting  and  bringing  up  my  family." 


58  THE  dairyman's  daughter. 

"What  family  have  you?" 

"  A  wife,  now  getting  very  aged  and  helpless, 
two  sons,  and  one  daughter;  for  my  other  poor 
dear  child  has  just  departed  out  of  this  wicked 
world." 

"  I  hope  for  a  better." 

"  I  hope  so  too  :  poor  thing,  Rie  did  not  use  to 
take  to  such  good  ways  as  her  sister ;  but  I  do  be- 
lieve that  her  sister's  manner  of  talking  with  her 
before  she  died  was  the  means  of  saving  her  soul. 
What  a  mercy  it  is  to  have  such  a  child  as  mine 
is !  I  never  thought  about  my  own  soul  seriously 
till  she,  poor  girl,  begged  and  prayed  me  to  flee 
from  the  wrath  to  come." 

"  How  old  are  you  ?" 

"Near  seventy,  and  my  wife  is  older;  we  are 
getting  old  and  almost  past  our  labour,  but  our 
daughter  has  left  a  good  place,  where  she  lived  in 
service,  on  purpose  to  come  home  and  take  care  of 
us  and  our  little  dairy.  And  a  dear,  dutiful,  affec- 
tionate girl  she  is." 

"  Was  she  always  so  ?" 

"  No,  sir,  when  she  was  very  young,  she  was  all 
for  the  world,  and  pleasure,  and  dress,  and  com- 
pany. Indeed,  we  were  all  very  ignorant,  and 
thought  if  we  took  care  of  this  life,  and  wronged 
nobody,  we  should  be  sure  to  go  to  heaven  at  last. 
My  daughters  were  both  wilful,  and,  like  ourselves, 


THE  dairyman's   DAUGHTER.  59 

strangers  to  the  ways  of  God  and  the  word  of  his 
grace.  But  the  eldest  of  them  went  out  to  service, 
and  some  years  ago  she  heard  a  sermon  preached 

at church,  by  a  gentleman  that  was  going  to 

,  as  chaplain  to  the  colony,  and  from  that 

time  she  seemed  quite  another  creature.  She 
began  to  read  the  Bible,  and  became  sober  and 
steady.  The  first  time  she  returned  home  after- 
ward to  see  us,  she  brought  us  a  guinea  which  she 
had  saved  from  her  wages,  and  said,  as  we  were 
getting  old,  she  was  sure  we  should  want  help ; 
adding  that  she  did  not  wish  to  spend  it  in  fine 
clothes,  as  she  used  to  do,  only  to  feed  pride  and 
vanity.  She  said,  she  would  rather  show  gratitude 
to  her  dear  father  and  mother,  because  Christ  had 
shown  such  mercy  to  her. 

"  We  wondered  to  hear  her  talk,  and  took  great 
delight  in  her  company;  for  her  temper  and  be- 
haviour were  so  humble  and  kind,  she  seemed  so 
desirous  to  do  us  good  both  in  soul  and  body,  and 
was  so  different  from  what  we  had  ever  seen  her  be- 
fore, that  careless  and  ignorant  as  we  had  been,  we 
began  to  think  there  must  be  something  real  in 
religion,  or  it  never  could  alter  a  person  so  much 
in  a  little  time. 

"  Her  youngest  sister,  poor  soul !  used  to  laugh 
and  ridicule  her  at  that  time,  and  said  her  head 
was  turned  with  her  new  ways. 


00  THE  dairyman's   DAUGUTER. 

"  'No,  sister/  she  would  say,  'not  my  head,  but 

1  hope  my  heart  is  turned  from  the  love  of  sin  to 
the  love  of  God.  I  wish  you  may  one  day  see,  as 
I  do,  the  danger  and  vanity  of  your  present  con- 
dition.' 

''  Her  poor  sister  would  reply,  '  I  do  not  want 
to  hear  any  of  your  preaching  ;  I  am  no  worse  than 
other  people,  and  that  is  enough  for  me.' — '  Well, 
sister,'  Elizabeth  would  say,  '  if  you  will  not  hear 
me,  you  cannot  hinder  me  from  praying  for  you, 
which  I  do  with  all  my  heart.' 

''And  now,  sir,  I  believe  those  prayers  are 
answered.     For  when   her   sister  was  taken  ill, 

Elizabeth  went  to  JVIrs. 's  to  wait  in  her  place, 

and  take  care  of  her.  She  said  a  great  deal  to  her 
about  her  soul,  and  the  poor  girl  began  to  be  so 
deeply  affected,  and  sensible  of  her  past  sin,  and 
so  thankful  for  her  sister's  kind  behaviour,  that  it 
gave  her  great  hopes  indeed  for  her  sake.  When 
my  wife  and  I  went  tip  see  her  as  she  lay  sick,  she 
told  us  how  grieved  and  ashamed  she  was  of  her 
past  life ;  but  said  she  had  a  hope  through  grace 
that  her  dear  sister's  Saviour  would  be  her  Saviour 
too ;  for  she  saw  her  own  sinfulness,  felt  her  own 
helplessness,  and  only  wished  to  cast  herself  upon 
(Christ  as  her  hope  and  salvation. 

"  And  now,  sir,  she  is  gone,  and  I  hope  and 
think  her  sister's  prayers  for  her  conversion  to 


THE  daihyman's  daughter.  61 

(xod  have  been  answered.  The  Lord  grant  the 
same  for  her  poor  father  and  mother's  sake  like- 
wise I" 

This  conversation  was  a  very  pleasing  commen- 
tary upon  the  letter  which  I  had  received,  and 
made  me  anxious  both  to  comply  with  the  request, 
and  to  become  acquainted  with  the  writer.  I  pro- 
mised the  good  dairyman  to  attend  on  the  Friday 
at  the  appointed  hour ;  and  after  some  more  con- 
versation respecting  his  own  state  of  mind  under 
the  present  trial,  he  went  away. 

He  was  a  reverend  old  man ;  his  furrowed  cheeks, 
white  locks,  weeping  eyes,  bent  shoulders,  and 
feeble  gait,  were  characteristic  of  the  aged  pilgrim. 
As  he  slowly  walked  onward,  supported  by  a  stick 
which  seemed  to  have  been  the  companion  of  many 
a  long  year,  a  train  of  reflections  occurred,  which 
I  retrace  with  pleasure  and  emotion. 

At  the  appointed  hour  I  arrived  at  the  church  ; 
and  after  a  little  while  was  summoned  to  the 
churchyard  gate  to  meet  the  funeral  procession. 
The  aged  parents,  the  elder  brother,  and  the  sister, 
with  other  relatives,  formed  an  affecting  group.  I 
was  struck  with  the  humble,  pious,  and  pleasing 
countenance  of  the  young  woman  from  whom  I 
had  received  the  letter.  It  bore  the  marks  of 
great  seriousness  without  affectation,  and  of  much 
serenity  mingled  with  a  glow  of  devotion. 
6 


62  THE  dairyman's  daughter. 

A  circumstance  occurred  during  the  reading  of 
the  burial  service  which  I  think  it  right  to  men- 
tion, as  one  among  many  testimonies  of  the  solemn 
and  impressive  tendency  of  our  truly  evangelical 
Liturgy. 

A  man  of  the  village,  who  had  hitherto  been 
of  a  very  careless  and  even  profligate  character, 
went  into  the  church  through  mere  curiosity,  and 
with  no  better  purpose  than  that  of  vacantly  gaz- 
ing at  the  ceremony.  He  came  likewise  to  the 
grave,  and  during  the  reading  of  those  prayers 
which  are  appointed  for  that  part  of  the  service, 
his  mind  received  a  deep  serious  conviction  of  his 
sin  and  spiritual  danger.  It  was  an  impression 
that  never  wore  off,  but  gradually  ripened  into  the 
most  satisfactory  evidence  of  an  entire  change,  of 
which  I  had  many  and  long-continued  proofs.  He 
always  referred  to  the  burial  service,  and  to  some 
particular  sentences  of  it,  as  the  cleai*ly  ascertained 
instrument  of  bringing  him,  through  grace,  to  the 
knowledge  of  the  truth. 

The  day  was  therefore  one  to  be  remembered. 
Remembered  let  it  be  by  those  who  love  to  hear 
"the  short  and  simple  annals  of  the  poor." 

Was  there  not  a  manifest  and  happy  connection 
between  the  circumstances  that  providentially 
brought  the  serious  and  the  careless  to  the  same 
grave  on  that  day  together  ?     How  much  do  they 


THE  dairyman's   DAUGHTER.  63 

lose  who  neglect  to  trace  the  leadings  of  God  in 
providence,  as  links  in  the  chain  of  his  eternal 
purpose  of  redemption  and  grace  ! 

'•■"While  infidels  may  scoff  lot  us  adore  !" 

After  the  service  was  concluded,  I  had  a  short 
conversation  with  the  good  old  couple  and  their 
daughter.  She  told  me  that  she  intended  to  remain 
a  week  or  two  at  the  gentleman's  house  where  her 
sister  died,  till  another  servant  should  arrive  and 
take  her  sister's  place. 

"  I  shall  be  truly  obliged,"  said  she,  "  by  an 
opportunity  of  conversing  with  you,  either  there, 
or  at  my  father's,  when  I  return  home,  which  will 
be  in  the  course  of  a  fortnight  at  the  furthest.  I 
shall  be  glad  to  talk  to  you  about  my  sister,  whom 
you  have  just  bmied." 

Her  aspect  and  address  were  highly  interesting. 
I  promised  to  see  her  very  soon ;  and  then  returned 
home,  quietly  reflecting  on  the  circumstances  of 
the  funeral  at  which  I  had  been  engaged.  I  blessed 
the  God  of  the  poor,  and  prayed  that  the  poor 
might  become  rich  in  faith,  and  the  rich  be  made 
poor  in  spirit. 


64  THE  daikyman's  daughter. 


PART  n. 

A  SWEET  solemnity  often  possesses  the  mind, 
while  retracing  past  intercourse  with  departed 
friends.  How  much  is  this  increased,  when  they 
were  such  as  lived  and  died  in  the  Lord !  The 
remembrance  of  former  scenes  and  conversations 
with  those,  who,  we  believe,  are  now  enjoying  the 
uninterrupted  happiness  of  a  better  world,  fills  the 
heart  with  pleasing  sadness,  and  animates  the  soul 
with  the  hopeful  anticipation  of  a  day  when  the 
glory  of  the  Lord  shall  be  revealed  in  the  assem- 
bling of  all  his  children  together,  never  more  to 
be  separated.  Whether  they  were  rich  or  poor, 
while  on  earth,  is  a  matter  of  trifling  consequence : 
the  valuable  part  of  their  character  is  that  they 
are  kings  and  priests  unto  God,  and  this  is  their 
true  nobility.  In  the  number  of  now  departed 
believers  with  whom  I  once  loved  to  converse  on 
the  grace  and  glory  of  the  kingdom  of  God,  was 
the  dairyman's  daughter. 

About  a  week  after  the  funeral,  I  went  to  visit 

the  family  at ,  in  whose  service  the  youngest 

sister  had  lived  and  died,  and  where  Elizabeth  was 
requested  to  remain  for  a  short  time  in  her  stead. 

The  house  was  a  large  and  venerable  mansion. 
It  stood  in  a  beautiful  valley  at  the  foot  of  a  high 


THE   dairyman's   DAUGHTER.  65 

hill.  It  was  embowered  in  fine  woods,  which  were 
interspersed  in  every  direction  with  rising,  falling 
and  swelling  grounds.  The  manor-house  had 
evidently  descended  through  a  long  line  of  ances- 
try, from  a  distant  period  of  time.  The  Grothic 
character  of  its  original  architecture  was  still  pre- 
served in  the  latticed  windows,  adorned  with  carved 
divisions  and  pillars  of  stone  work.  Several 
pointed  terminations  also,  in  the  construction  of 
the  roof,  according  to  the  custom  of  our  forefathers, 
fully  corresponded  with  the  general  features  of  the 
building. 

One  end  of  the  house  was  entirely  clothed  with 
the  thick  foliage  of  an  immense  ivy,  which  climbed 
beyond  customary  limits,  and  embraced  a  lofty 
chimney  up  to  its  very  summit.  Such  a  tree 
seemed  congenial  to  the  walls  that  supported  it, 
and  conspired  with  the  antique  fashion  of  the  place 
to  carry  imagination  back  to  the  days  of  our  an- 
cestors. 

As  I  approached,  I  was  led  to  reflect  on  the 
lapse  of  ages,  and  the  successive  generations  of 
men,  each  in  their  turn  occupying  lands,  houses, 
and  domains ;  each  in  their  turn  also  disappear- 
ing, and  leaving  their  inheritance  to  be  enjoyed 
by  others.  David  once  observed  the  same,  and 
cried  out,  ''  Behold  thou  hast  made  my  days  as  a 


66  THE  dairyman's  daughter. 

hand-breadth,  and  mine  age  is  as  nothing  before 
thee  :  verily  every  man  at  his  best  estate  is  alto- 
gether vanity.  Surely  every  man  walketh  in  a 
vain  show  :  surely  they  are  disquieted  in  vain  :  he 
heapeth  up  riches,  and  knoweth  not  who  shall 
gather  them." 

Happy  would  it  be  for  the  rich,  if  they  more 
frequently  meditated  on  the  uncertainty  of  all 
their  possessions,  and  the  frail  nature  of  every 
earthly  tenure.  "Their  inward  thought  is,  that 
their  houses  shall  continue  for  ever,  and  their 
dwelling-places  to  all  generations;  they  call  their 
lands  after  their  own  names.  Nevertheless,  man 
being  in  honour  abideth  not :  he  is  like  the  beasts 
that  perish.  This  their  way  is  their  folly  :  yet 
their  posterity  approve  their  sayings.  Like  sheep 
they  are  laid  in  the  grave ;  death  shall  feed  on  them ; 
and  their  beauty  shall  consume  in  the  grave  from 
their  dwelling." 

As  I  advanced  to  the  mansion,  a  pleasing  kind 
of  gloom  overspread  the  front :  it  was  occasioned 
by  the  shade  of  trees,  and  gave  a  characteristic 
effect  to  the  ancient  fabric.  I  instantly  recollected 
that  death  had  very  lately  visited  the  house,  and 
that  one  of  its  present  inhabitants  was  an  affection- 
ate mourner  for  a  departed  sister. 

There  is  a  solemnity  in  the  thought  of  a  recent 


THE   dairyman's  DAUGHTER.  67 

death,  which  will  associate  itself  with  the  very 
walls  from  whence  we  are  conscious  that  a  soul 
has  just  taken  its  flight  to  eternity. 

After  passing  some  time  in  conversation  with 
the  superiors  of  the  family,  in  the  course  of  which 
I  was  much  gratified  by  hearing  of  the  unremitted 
attention  which  the  elder  sister  had  paid  to  the 
younger,  during  the  illness  of  the  latter ;  I  received 
likewise  other  testimonies  of  the  excellence  of  her 
general  character  and  conduct  in  the  house  :  I  then 

o 

took  leave,  requesting  permission  to  sec  her,  agree- 
ably to  the  promise  I  had  made  at  the  funeral  not 
many  days  before. 

I  was  shown  into  a  parlour,  where  I  found  her 
alone.  She  was  in  deep  mourning.  She  had  a 
calmness  and  serenity  in  her  countenance,  which 
exceedingly  struck  me,  and  impressed  some  idea 
of  those  attainments  which  a  further  a,cquaintance 
with  her  afterward  so  much  increased.' 

She  spoke  of  her  sister.  I  had  the  satisfaction 
of  finding  that  she  had  given  very  hopeful  proofs 
of  a  change  of  heart  before  she  died.  The  prayers 
and  earnest  exhortations  of  Elizabeth  had  been 
blessed  to  a  happy  effect.  She  described  what  had 
passed  with  such  a  mixture  of  sisterly  aifection,  and 
pious  dependence  on  the  mercy  of  Grod  to  sinners, 
as  convinced  me  that  her  own  heart  was  under  the 
influence  of  "pure  and  undcfiled  religion." 


68  THE  dairyman's  daughter. 

She  requested  leave  occasionally  to  correspond 
with  me  on  serious  subjects,  stating  that  she  need- 
ed much  instruction.  She  hoped  I  would  pardon 
the  liberty  which  she  had  taken  by  introducing 
herself  to  my  notice.  She  expressed  a  trust  that 
the  Lord  would  overrule  both  the  death  of  her  sis- 
ter, and  the  personal  acquaintance  with  me  that 
resulted  from  it,  to  a  present  and  future  good,  as 
it  respected  herself  and  also  her  parents,  with 
whom  she  statedly  lived,  and  to  whom  she  expect- 
ed to  return  in  a  few  days. 

Finding  that  she  was  wanted  in  some  household 
duty,  I  did  not  remain  long  with  her ;  but  left  her 
with  an  assurance  that  I  proposed  to  visit  her 
parents  very  shortly. 

"Sir,"  said  she,  "I  take  it  very  kind  that  you 
have  condescended  to  leave  the  company  of  the 
rich  and  converse  with  the  poor.  I  wish  I  could 
have  said  miore  to  you  respecting  my  own  state  of 
mind.  Perhaps  I  shall  be  better  able  another  time. 
When  you  next  visit  me,  instead  of  finding  me  in 
these  noble  walls,  you  will  see  me  in  a  poor  cottage. 
But  I  am  happiest  when  there.  Once  more,  sir,  I 
thank  you  for  your  past  kindness  to  me  and  mine, 
and  may  God  in  many  ways  bless  you  for  it  I" 

I  quitted  the  house  with  no  small  degree  of  sat- 
isfaction, in  consequence  of  the  new  acquaintance 
which  I  had  formed.     I  discovered  traces  of  a  cul- 


THE  dairyman's  DAUGHTER.  69 

tivated,  as  well  as  a  spiritual  mind.  I  felt  that 
religious  intercourse  with  those  of  low  estate  may 
be  rendered  eminently  useful  to  others,  whose  out- 
ward station  and  advantages  are  far  above  their 
own. 

How  often  does  it  appear  that  "God  hath  chosen 
the  weak  things  of  the  world  to  confound  the 
things  which  are  mighty :  and  base  things  of  the 
world,  and  things  which  are  despised,  hath  God 
chosen,  and  things  which  are  not,  to  bring  to  naught 
things  that  are ;  that  no  flesh  should  glory  in  his 
presence." 

It  was  not  unfrequcntly  my  custom  when  my 
mind  was  filled  with  any  interesting  subject  for 
meditation,  to  seek  some  spot  where  the  beauties 
of  natural  prospect  might  help  to  form  pleasing 
and  useful  associations.  I  therefore  ascended  gra- 
dually to  the  very  summit  of  the  hill  adjoining  the 
mansion  where  my  visit  had  just  been  made. 
Here  was  placed  an  elevated  sea-mark  :  it  was  in 
the  form  of  a  triangular  pyramid,  and  built  of 
stone.  I  sat  down  on  the  ground  near  it,  and 
looked  at  the  surrounding  prospect,  which  was  dis- 
tinguished for  beauty  and  magnificence.  It  was  a 
lofty  station,  which  commanded  a  complete  circle 
of  interesting  objects  to  engage  the  spectator's 
attention. 

Southward  the  view  was  terminated  by  a  long 


70  THE  DAIRYMAN  S   DAUGHTER. 

range  of  hills  at  about  six  miles  distance.  They 
met,  to  the  westward,  another  chain  of  hills,  of 
which  the  one  whereon  I  sat  formed  a  link,  and 
the  whole  together  nearly  encompassed  a  rich 
and  fruitful  valley,  filled  with  cornfields  and  pas- 
tures. Through  this  vale  flowed  a  small  river  for 
many  miles :  much  cattle  were  feeding  on  its  banks. 
Here  and  there  lesser  eminences  rose  in  the  val- 
ley ;  some  covered  with  wood,  others  with  corn  or 
grass,  and  a  few  with  heath  or  fern.  One  of  these 
little  hills  was  distinguished  by  a  parish  church  at 
the  top,  presentiug  a  striking  feature  in  the  land- 
scape. Another  of  these  elevations,  situated  in 
the  centre  of  the  valley,  was  adorned  with  a  vene- 
rable holly  tree,  which  has  grown  there  for  ages. 
Its  singular  height  and  wide-spreading  dimensions 
not  only  render  it  an  object  of  curiosity  to  the 
traveller,  but  of  daily  usefulness  to  the  pilot,  as  a 
mark  visible  from  the  sea,  whereby  to  direct  his 
vessel  safe  into  harbour.  Villages,  churches, 
country-seats,  farm-houses,  and  cottages,  were 
scattered  over  every  part  of  the  southern  valley. 
In  this  direction  also,  at  the  foot  of  the  hill  where 
I  was  stationed,  appeared  the  ancient  mansion 
which  I  had  just  quitted,  embellished  with  its 
woods,  groves,  and  gardens. 

South-eastward,  I  saw  the  open  ocean,  bounded 
only  by  the  horizon.     The  sun  shone,  and  gilded 


THE   dairyman's   DAUGHTER.  71 

the  -waves  with  a  glittering  light  that  sparkled  in 
the  most  brilliant  manner.  More  to  the  east,  in 
continuation  of  that  line  of  hills  where  I  was  placed, 
rose  two  downs,  one  beyond  the  other ;  both  co- 
vered with  sheep,  and  the  sea  just  visible  over  the 
furthest  of  them,  as  a  terminating  boundary.  In 
this  point  ships  were  seen,  some  sailing,  others  at 
anchor.  Here  the  little  river,  which  watered  the 
southern  valley,  finished  its  course,  and  ran  through 
meadows  into  the  sea,  in  an  eastward  direction. 

On  the  north,  the  sea  appeared  like  a  noble  river, 
varying  from  three  to  seven  miles  in  breadth,  Ije- 
tween  the  banks  of  the  opposite  coast  and  those  of 
the  island  which  I  inhabited.  Immediately  under- 
neath me  was  a  fine  woody  district  of  country,  di- 
versified by  many  pleasing  objects.  Distant  towns 
were  visible  on  the  opposite  shore.  Numbers  of 
ships  occupied  the  sheltered  station  which  this 
northern  channel  afforded  them.  The  eye  roamed 
with  delight  over  an  expanse  of  near  and  remote 
beauties,  which  alternately  caught  the  observation, 
and  which  harmonized  together,  and  produced  a 
scene  of  peculiar  interest. 

Westward  the  hills  followed  each  other,  forming 
several  intermediate  and  partial  valleys,  in  a  kind 
of  undulations,  like  the  waves  of  the  sea;  and 
bending  to  the  south,  completed  the  boundary  of 
the  larger  valley  before  described,  to  the  southward 


72  THE  dairyman's  daughter. 

of  the  hill  on  which  I  sat.  In  many  instances  tho 
hills  were  cultivated  with  corn  to  their  very  sum- 
mits, and  seemed  to  defy  the  inclemency  of  tho 
weather ;  which,  at  these  heights,  usually  renderH 
the  ground  incapable  of  bringing  forth  and  ripen- 
ing the  crops  of  grain.  One  hill  alone,  the  highest 
in  elevation,  and  about  ten  miles  to  the  south-west- 
ward, was  enveloped  in  a  cloud,  which  just  per- 
mitted a  dim  and  hazy  sight  of  a  signal  post,  a 
light-house,  and  an  ancient  chantry,  built  on  its 
summit. 

Amidst  these  numerous  specimens  of  delightful 
scenery  I  found  a  mount  for  contemplation,  and 
here  I  indulged  in  it. 

"  How  much  of  the  natural  beauties  of  Paradise 
still  remain  in  the  world,  although  its  spiritual 
character  has  been  so  awfully  defaced  by  sin ! 
But  when  divine  grace  renews  the  heart  of  the 
fallen  sinner,  Paradise  is  regained,  and  much  of 
its  beauty  restored  to  the  soul.  As  this  prospect 
is  compounded  of  hill  and  dale,  land  and  sea,  woods 
and  plains,  all  sweetly  blended  together  and  re- 
lieving each  other  in  the  landscape;  so  do  the 
gracious  dispositions  wrought  in  the  soul  produce 
a  beauty  and  harmony  of  scene  to  which  it  was  be- 
fore a  stranger." 

I  looked  toward  the  village  in  the  plain  below, 
where  the  dairyman's  younger  daughter  was  buried. 


THE   dairyman's  DAUGHTER.  73 

I  retraced  tlie  simple  solemnities  of  the  funeral.  I 
connected  the  principles  and  conduct  of  her  sister 
with  the  present  probably  happy  state  of  her  soul 
in  the  world  of  spirits,  and  was  greatly  impressed 
with  a  sense  of  the  importance  of  family  influence 
as  a  means  of  grace.  "  That  young  woman,"  I 
thought,  "has  been  the  conductor  of  not  only  a 
sister,  but  perhaps  a  father  and  mother  also,  to  the 
true  knowledge  of  Grod,  and  may,  by  divine  bless- 
ing, become  so  to  others.  It  is  a  glorious  occu- 
pation to  win  souls  to  Christ,  and  guide  them  out 
of  Egyptian  bondage  through  the  wilderness  into 
the  promised  Canaan.  Happy  are  the  families  who 
are  walking  hand  in  hand  together,  as  pilgrim.s 
toward  the  heavenly  country.  May  the  number 
of  such  be  daily  increased  I" 

Casting  my  eye  over  the  numerous  dwellings  in 
the  vales  on  my  right  and  left,  I  could  not  he]]» 
thinking,  "  How  many  of  their  inhabitants  are  igno- 
rant of  the  ways  of  God,  and  strangers  to  his  grace  ! 
May  this  thought  stimulate  to  activit}-  and  diligence 
in  the  cause  of  immortal  souls !  They  are  precious 
in  God's  sight — they  ought  to  be  so  in  ours." 

Some  pointed  andaffecting  observations  to  that 
effect  recurred  to  my  mind,  as  having  been  made 
by  the  young  person  with  whom  I  had  been  just 
conversing.  Her  mind  appeared  to  be  much  im- 
pressed with  the  duty  of  speaking  and  acting  for 

r 


74  THE  dairyman's  daughter. 

God  "wbile  it  is  day;"  conscious  that  "the  night 
Cometh  when  no  man  can  woi'k."  Her  laudable 
anxiety  on  this  head  was  often  testified  to  me  after- 
ward, both  by  letter  and  conversation.  What  she 
felt  herself  in  respect  to  endeavours  to  do  good, 
she  happily  communicated  to  others  with  whom 
she  corresponded  or  conversed. 

Time  would  not  permit  my  continuing  so  long 
in  the  enjoyment  of  these  meditations  on  this 
lovely  mount  of  observation,  as  my  heart  desired. 
On  my  return  home  I  wrote  a  few  lines  to  the 
dairyman's  daughter,  chiefly  dictated  by  the  train 
of  thought  which  had  occupied  my  mind  while  I 
sat  on  the  hill. 

On  the  next  Sunday  evening  I  received  her 
reply,  of  which  the  following  is  a  transcript : — 

"Sundai/, . 


"  Rev.  Sir, — I  am  this  day  deprived  of  an  op- 
portunity of  attending  the  house  of  God,  to  worship 
him.  But,  glory  be  to  his  name !  he  is  not  con- 
fined to  time  nor  place.  I  feel  him  present  with 
me  where  I  am,  and  '  his  presence  makes  my  Par- 
adise ;  for  where  he  is,  is  heaven.'  I  pray  God  that 
a  double  portion  of  his  grace  and  Holy  Spirit  may 
rest  upon  you  this  day;  that  his  blessing  may  attend 
all  your  faithful  labours ;  and  that  you  may  find 
the  truth  of  his  word,  assuring  us,  that  wherever 


THE  DAIRYMAN  S   DAUGHTER.  7o 

we  assemble  together  in  his  name,  there  he  is  in 
the  midst  to  bless  every  waiting  soul. 

"  How  precious  are  all  his  promises !  We 
ought  never  to  doubt  the  truth  of  his  word.  For 
he  will  never  deceive  us  if  we  go  on  in  faith, 
always  expecting  to  receive  what  his  goodness 
waits  to  give.  Dear  sir,  I  have  felt  it  very  con- 
soling to  read  your  kind  letter  to-day.  I  feel 
thankful  to  God  for  ministers  in  our  church  who 
love  and  fear  his  name :  there  it  is  where  the  peo- 
ple in  general  look  for  salvation ;  and  there  may 
they  ever  find  it  for  Jesus'  sake  !  May  his  word, 
spoken  by  you,  his  chosen  vessel  of  grace,  be  made 
spirit  and  life  to  their  dead  souls !  May  it  come 
from  you  as  an  instrument  in  the  hands  of  God, 
as  sharp  arrows  from  a  strong  archer,  and  strike 
a  death-blow  to  all  their  sins !  How  I  long  to  see 
the  arrows  of  conviction  fasten  on  the  minds  of 
those  that  are  hearers  of  the  word  and  not  doers  I 
0  sir,  be  ambitious  for  the  glory  of  God  and  the 
salvation  of  souls !  It  will  add  to  the  lustre  of 
your  crown  in  glory,  as  well  as  to  your  present 
joy  and  peace.  We  should  be  willing  to  spend 
and  be  spent  in  his  service,  saying,  'Lord,  may 
thy  will  be  done  by  me  on  earth,  even  as  it  is  by 
thy  angels  in  heaven.'  So  you  may  expect  to  see 
his  face  with  joy,  and  say,  'Here  am  I,  Lord,  and 
all  the  souls  thou  hast  given  me.' 


76  THE  dairyman's  daughter. 

"  It  seems  wonderful  that  we  sliould  neglect  any 
opportunity  of  doing  good,  when  there  is,  if  it  be 
done  from  love  to  Grod  and  his  creatures,  a  present 
reward  of  grace,  in  reflecting  that  we  are  using  the 
talents  committed  to  our  care  according  to  the 
power  and  ability  which  we  receive  from  him. 
God  requires  not  what  he  has  not  promised  to  give. 
But  when  we  look  back,  and  reflect  that  there  have 
been  opportunities  in  which  we  have  neglected  to 
take  up  our  cross  and  speak  and  act  for  God ;  what 
a  dejection  of  mind  we  feel  !  We  are  then  justly 
filled  with  shame.  Conscious  of  being  ashamed  of 
Ohrist,  we  cannot  come  with  that  holy  boldness 
to  a  throne  of  grace,  nor  feel  that  free  access  when 
we  make  our  supplications. 

"We  are  commanded  to  provoke  one  another 
to  love  and  good  works;  and  where  two  are  agreed 
together  in  the  things  of  God,  they  may  say, 

'  And  if  our  fellowship  below 

In  Jesus  be  so  sweet, 
What  heights  of  rapture  shall  we  know. 

When  round  the  throne  we  meet !' 

"  Sir,  I  hope  Mrs.  Richmond  and  you  are  both 
of  one  heart  and  mind.  Then  you  will  sweetly 
agree  in  all  things  that  make  for  your  present  and 
eternal  happiness.  Christ  sent  his  disciples  out, 
not  singly,  but  two  and  two ;  that  they  might  com- 


THE   DAIRYMAN  S    DAUGHTER.  77 

fort  and  help  each  other  in  those  ways  and  works 
which  their  Lord  commanded  them  to  pursue. 

'^  It  has  been  my  lot  to  have  been  alone  the 
greatest  part  of  the  time  that  I  have  known  the 
ways  of  God.  I  therefore  find  it  such  a  treat  to 
my  soul  when  I  can  meet  with  any  who  love  to 
talk  of  the  goodness  and  love  of  God,  and  all  his 
gracious  dealings.  What  a  comfortable  reflection, 
to  think  of  spending  a  whole  eternity  in  that  de- 
lightful employment;  to  tell  to  listening  angels 
his  love,  '  immense,  unsearchable  !' 

"Dear  sir,  I  thank  you  for  your  kindness  and 
condescension  in  leaving  those  that  are  of  high 
rank  and  birth  in  the  world,  to  converse  with  me, 
who  am  but  a  servant  here  below.  But  when  I 
consider  what  a  high  calling,  what  honour  and  dig- 
nity God  has  conferred  upon  me,  to  be  called  his 
child,  to  be  born  of  his  Spirit,  made  an  heir  of 
glory,  and  joint  heir  with  Christ;  how  humble  and 
circumspect  should  I  be  in  all  my  ways,  as  a  duti- 
ful and  loving  child  to  an  aifectionate  and  loving 
Father !  When  I  seriously  consider  these  things, 
it  fills  me  with  love  and  gratitude  to  God,  and  I  do 
not  wish  for  any  higher  station,  nor  envy  the  rich. 
I  rather  pity  them  if  they  are  not  good  as  well  as 
great.  My  blessed  Lord  was  pleased  to  appear 
in  the  form  of  a  servant;  and  I  long  to  be  like 
him. 

7* 


78  THE  dairyman's  daughter. 

"  I  did  not  feci  in  so  happy  a  frame  for  conver- 
sation that  day,  nor  yet  that  liberty  to  explain  my 
thoughts,  which  I  sometimes  do.  The  fault  must 
have  been  all  in  myself;  for  there  was  nothing  in 
you  but  what  seemed  to  evidence  a  Christian  spirit, 
temper,  and  disposition.  I  very  much  wished  for 
an  opportunity  to  converse  with  you.  I  feel  very 
thankful  to  God  that  you  do  take  up  the  cross  and 
despise  the  shame :  if  you  are  found  faithful,  you 
will  soon  sit  down  with  him  in  glory. 

"  I  have  written  to  the  Rev.  Mr. ,  to  thank 

him  for  permitting  you  to  perform  the  burial  ser- 
vice at  Arreton,  over  my  dear  departed  sister,  and 
to  tell  him  of  the  kind  way  in  which  you  consent- 
ed to  do  it.  I  should  mention  that  your  manner 
of  reading  the  service  on  that  day  had  a  consider- 
able effect  on  the  hearers. 

"Pray  excuse  all  faults,  and  correct  my  errors. 
I  expect  in  a  few  days  to  return  home  to  my  pa- 
rents' house.     We  shall  rejoice  to  see  you  there. 

"From  your  humble  servant  in  Christ, 

"  Elizabeth  Wallbridge." 

It  was  impossible  to  view  such  a  correspondent 
with  indifference.  I  had  just  returned  from  a  lit- 
tle cottage  assembly,  where,  on  Sunday  evenings, 
I  sometimes  went  to  instruct  a  few  poor  families 
in  one  of  the  hamlets  belonging  to  my  parish.     I 


THE   dairyman's    DAUGHTER.  79 

read  the  letter  and  closed  the  day  with  thanksgiv- 
ing to  God  for  thus  enabling  those  who  fear  his 
name  to  build  up  each  other  in  faith  and  love. 

Of  old  time,  "  they  that  feared  the  Lord  spake 
often  one  to  another ;  and  the  Lord  hearkened  and 
heard  it,  and  a  book  of  remembrance  was  written 
before  him,  for  them  that  feared  the  Lord  and 
that  thought  upon  his  name." 

That  book  of  remembrance  is  not  yet  closed. 


PART  IIL 

The  mind  of  man  is  like  a  moving  picture,  sup- 
plied with  objects,  not  only  from  contemplation  on 
things  present,  but  from  the  fruitful  sources  of 
recollection  and  anticipation. 

Memory  retraces  past  events,  and  restores  an 
ideal  reality  to  scenes  which  are  gone  by  for  ever. 
They  live  again  in  revived  imagery,  and  we  seem 
to  hear  and  see  with  renewed  emotions  what  we 
heard  and  saw  at  a  former  period.  Successions  of 
such  recollected  circumstances  often  form  a  series 
of  welcome  memorials.  In  religious  meditation 
the  memory  becomes  a  sanctified  instrument  of 
spiritual  improvement. 


80  THE   dairyman's   DAUGHTER. 

Anotlier  part  of  this  unimatcd  picture  is  fur- 
uished  by  the  pencil  of  hope.  She  draws  encour- 
aging prospects  for  the  soul  by  connecting  the 
past  and  present  with  the  future.  Seeing  the 
promises  afar  off,  she  is  persuaded  of  their  truth, 
and  embraces  them  as  her  own. 

The  Spirit  of  God  gives  a  blessing  to  both  these 
acts  of  the  mind,  and  employs  them  in  the  service 
of  religion.  Every  faculty  of  body  and  soul,  when 
considered  as  a  part  of  "the  purchased  possession" 
of  the  Saviour,  assumes  a  new  character.  How 
powerfully  does  the  apostle,  on  this  ground,  urge 
a  plea  for  holy  activity  and  watchfulness :  "  What ! 
know  ye  not  that  your  body  is  the  temple  of  the 
Holy  Ghost  which  is  in  you,  which  ye  have  of 
God ;  and  ye  are  not  your  own ;  for  ye  are  bought 
with  a  price  :  therefore  glorify  God  in  your  body 
and  in  your  spirit,  which  are  God's." 

The  Christian  may  derive  much  profit  and  en- 
joyment from  the  use  of  the  memory  as  it  concerns 
those  transactions  in  which  he  once  bore  a  part. 
In  his  endeavours  to  recall  past  conversations  and 
intercourse  with  deceased  friends  in  particular,  the 
powers  of  remembrance  greatly  improve  by  exer- 
cise. One  revived  idea  produces  another,  till  the 
mind  is  most  agreeably  and  usefully  occupied  with 
lively  and  holy  imaginations. 


THE   dairyman's   DAUGHTER.  81 

"Lull'd  in  the  countless  chambers  of  the  brain. 
Our  thoughts  are  linked  by  many  a  hidden  chain, 
Awake  but  one,  and  lo,  what  myriads  rise  ! 
Each  stamps  its  image  as  the  other  flies ; 
Each  as  the  varied  avenues  of  sense 
Delight  or  sorrow  to  the  soul  dispense. 
Brightens  or  fades ;  yet  all  with  sacred  art 
Control  the  latent  fibres  of  the  heart." 

May  it  please  God  to  bless  both  to  the  reader  and 
the  writer  this  feeble  attempt  to  recollect  some  of 
the  communications  which  I  once  enjoyed  in  my 
visits  to  the  dairyman's  dwelling  ! 

Very  soon  after  the  receipt  of  the  last  letter,  I 
rode  for  the  first  time  to  see  the  family  at  their 
own  home.  The  principal  part  of  the  road  lay 
through  retired,  narrow  lanes,  beautifully  over- 
arched with  groves  of  nut  and  other  trees,  which 
Bcreened  the  traveller  from  the  rays  of  the  sun, 
and  afforded  many  interesting  objects  for  admira- 
tion, in  the  flowers,  shrubs,  and  young  trees,  which 
grew  upon  the  high  banks  on  each  side  of  the 
road.  Many  grotesque  rocks,  with  little  trickling 
streams  of  water  occasionally  breaking  out  of  them, 
varied  the  recluse  scenery,  and  produced  a  romantic 
and  pleasing  effect. 

Here  and  there  the  more  distant  prospect  beyond 
was  observable  through  gaps  and  hollow  places  on 
the  road-side.     Lofty  hills,  with  navy  signal-posts, 


82  THE  dairyman's  daughter. 

obelisks,  and  light-houses  on  their  summits,  ap- 
peared at  these  intervals:  rich  corn-fields  were 
also  visible  through  some  of  the  open  places;  and 
now  and  then,  when  the  road  ascended  a  hill,  the 
sea,  with  ships  at  various  distances,  was  seen. 
But  for  the  most  part  shady  seclusion,  and  objects 
of  a  more  minute  and  confined  nature,  gave  a  cha- 
racter to  the  journey,  and  invited  contemplation. 

How  much  do  they  lose  who  are  strangers  to 
serious  meditation  on  the  wonders  and  beauties  of 
nature !  How  gloriously  the  God  of  creation  shines 
in  his  works  !  Not  a  tree,  or  leaf,  or  flower ;  not 
a  bird  or  insect,  but  proclaims  in  glowing  language, 
"God  made  me." 

As  I  approached  the  village  where  the  good  old 
dairyman  dwelt,  I  observed  him  in  a  little  field, 
driving  his  cows  before  him  toward  a  yard  and 
hovel  which  adjoined  his  cottage.  I  advanced 
very  near  to  him  without  his  observing  me,  for 
his  sight  was  dim.  On  my  calling  out  to  him,  he 
started  at  the  sound  of  my  voice,  but  with  much 
gladness  of  heart  welcomed  me,  saying,  "  Bless 
your  heart,  sir,  I  am  very  glad  you  are  come :  we 
have  looked  for  you  every  day  this  week." 

The  cottage  door  opened,  and  the  daughter 
come  out,  followed  by  her  aged  and  infirm  mother. 
The  sight  of  me  naturally  brought  to  recollection 
the  grave  at  which  we  had  before  met.     Tears  of 


THE   DAIRYMAN  S  DAUGHTER.  iio 

aflFection  mingled  Vith  the  smile  of  satisfaction 
with  which  I  was  received  by  these  worthy  cot- 
tagers. I  dismounted,  and  was  conducted  through 
a  neat  little  garden,  part  of  which  was  shaded  by 
two  large  overspreading  elm-trees,  to  the  house. 
Decency  and  order  were  manifest  within  and  with- 
out. No  excuse  was  made  here,  on  the  score  of 
poverty,  for  confusion  and  uncleanliness  in  the  dis- 
posal of  their  little  household.  Every  thing  wore 
the  aspect  of  neatness  and  propriety.  On  each 
side  of  the  fireplace  stood  an  old  oaken  arm-chair, 
where  the  venerable  parents  rested  their  weary 
limbs  after  the  day's  labour  was  over.  On  a  shelf 
in  one  corner  lay  two  Bibles,  with  a  few  religious 
books  and  tracts.  The  little  room  had  two  win- 
dows ;  a  lovely  prospect  of  hills,  woods,  and  fields, 
appeared  through  one;  the  other  was  more  than 
half  obscured  by  the  branches  of  a  vine  which  was 
trained  across  it;  between  its  leaves  the  sun  shone, 
and  cast  a  cheerful  light  over  the  whole  place. 

"This,"  thought  I,  "is  a  fit  residence  for  piety, 
peace,  and  contentment.  May  I  learn  a  fresh 
lesson  for  advancement  in  each  through  the  bless- 
ing of  Grod  on  this  visit  I" 

"Sir,"  said  the  daughter,  "we  are  not  worthy 
that  you  should  come  under  our  roof.  We  take 
it  very  kind  that  you  should  travel  so  far  to  see  us." 

"My  Master,"  I  replied,   "came  a  great  deal 


84  THE  dairyman's  daughter. 

farther  to  visit  us  poor  sinners.  lie  left  the  bosom 
of  his  Father,  laid  aside  his  glory,  and  came  down 
to  this  lower  world  on  a  visit  of  mercy  and  love ; 
and  ought  not  we,  if  we  profess  to  follow  him,  to 
bear  each  other's  infirmities,  and  go  about  doing 
good  as  he  did  ?" 

The  old  man  now  entered  and  joined  his  wife 
and  daughter  in  giving  me  a  cordial  welcome. 
Our  conversation  soon  turned  to  the  loss  they  had 
so  lately  sustained.  The  pious  and  sensible  dis- 
position of  the  daughter  was  peculiarly  manifested, 
as  well  in  what  she  said  to  her  parents,  as  in  what 
she  more  immediately  addressed  to  myself.  I  had 
now  a  further  opportunity  of  remarking  the  good 
sense  and  agreeable  manner  which  accompanied 
her  expressions  of  devotedness  to  God  and  love 
to  Christ,  for  the  great  mercies  which  he  had  be- 
stowed upon  her.  During  her  residence  in  dif- 
ferent gentlemen's  families  where  she  had  been  in 
service,  she  had  acquired  a  superior  behaviour  and 
address;  but  sincere  piety  rendered  her  very  hum- 
ble and  unassuming  in  manner  and  conversation. 
She  seemed  anxious  to  improve  the  opportunity 
of  my  visit  to  the  best  purpose  for  her  own  and 
her  parents'  sake;  yet  there  was  nothing  of  unbe- 
coming forwardness,  no  self-consequence  or  con- 
ceitedness  in  her  conduct.  She  united  the  firmness 
and  solicitude  of  the  Christian  with  the  modesty 


THE  dairyman's  DAUGHTER.  85 

of  the  female  and  the  dutifulness  of  the  daughter. 
It  was  impossible  to  be  in  her  company  and  not 
observe  how  truly  her  temper  and  conversation 
adorned  the  principles  which  she  professed. 

I  soon  discovered  how  eager  and  how  successful 
also  she  had  been  in  her  endeavours  to  bring  her 
father  and  mother  to  the  knowledge  and  experience 
of  the  truth.  This  is  a  lovely  feature  in  the  cha- 
racter of  a  young  Christian.  If  it  have  pleased 
God  in  the  free  dispensations  of  his  mercy  to  call 
the  child  by  his  grace,  while  the  parents  remain 
still  in  ignorance  and  sin,  how  great  is  the  duty 
incumbent  on  that  child  to  do  what  is  possible  to 
promote  the  conversion  of  those  to  whom  so  much 
is  owing!  Happy  is  it  when  the  ties  of  grace 
sanctify  those  of  nature  ! 

The  aged  couple  evidently  regarded  and  spoke 
of  this  daughter  as  their  teacher  and  admonisher 
in  divine  things,  while  at  the  same  time  they  re- 
ceived from  her  every  token  of  filial  submission 
and  obedience,  testified  by  continual  endeavours  to 
serve  and  assist  them  to  the  utmost  of  her  power 
in  the  daily  concerns  of  the  household. 

The  religion  of  this  young  woman  was  of  a 
highly  spiritual  character,  and  of  no  ordinary  at- 
tainment. Her  views  of  the  divine  plan  in  saving 
the  sinner  were  clear  and  scriptural.  She  spoke 
much  of  the  joys  and  sorrows  which  in  the  course 


86  THE  dairyman's  daughter. 

of  her  religious  progress  she  had  experienced  :  but 
she  was  fully  sensible  that  there  is  far  more  in 
real  religion  than  mere  occasional  transition  from 
one  frame  of  mind  and  spirits  to  another.  She 
believed  that  the  experimental  acquaintance  of  the 
heart  with  God  principally  consisted  in  so  living 
upon  Christ  by  faith  as  to  aim  at  living  like  him 
by  love.  She  knew  that  the  love  of  Grod  toward 
the  sinner,  and  the  path  of  duty  prescribed  to  the 
sinner,  are  both  of  an  unchangeable  nature.  In  a 
believing  dependence  on  the  one,  and  an  affec- 
tionate walk  in  the  other,  she  sought  and  found 
"  the  peace  of  God  which  passeth  all  understand- 
ing;" "for  so  he  giveth  his  beloved  rest." 

She  had  read  but  few  books  besides  her  Bible ; 
but  these  few  were  excellent  in  their  kind,  and 
she  spoke  of  their  contents  as  one  who  knew  their 
value.  In  addition  to  a  Bible  and  Prayer-book, 
Doddridge's  "  Rise  and  Progress,"  Romaine's 
"Life,  Walk,  and  Triumph  of  Faith,"  Bunyan's 
"Pilgrim,"  Alleine's  "Alarm,"  Baxter's  "Saints' 
Everlasting  Rest,"  a  hymn-book,  and  a  few  tracts, 
composed  her  library. 

I  observed  in  her  countenance  a  pale  and  deli- 
cate hue,  which  I  afterward  found  to  be  a  presage 
of  consumption ;  and  the  idea  then  occurred  to  me 
that  she  would  not  live  very  long. 

Time   passed   on  swiftly  with  this   interesting 


TETE   DAIRYMAN  S   DAUGHTER.  87 

family ;  and  after  having  partaken  of  some  plain 
and  wholsome  refreshment,  and  enjoyed  a  few 
hours'  conversation  with  them,  I  found  it  was 
necessary  for  me  to  return  homeward.  The  dis- 
position and  character  of  the  parties  may  be  in 
some  sort  ascertained  by  the  expressions  used  at 
parting. 

"God  send  you  safe  home  again,"  said  the  aged 
mother,  "  and  bless  the  day  that  brought  you  to 
see  two  poor  old  creatures,  such  as  we  are,  in  our 
trouble  and  affliction.  Come  again,  sir,  come 
again,  when  you  can;  and  though  I  am  a  poor 
ignorant  soul,  not  fit  to  talk  to  such  a  gentleman 
as  you,  yet  my  dear  child  shall  speak  for  me;  she 
is  the  greatest  comfort  I  have  left,  and  I  hope  the 
good  Lord  will  spare  her  to  support  my  trembling 
limbs  and  feeble  spirits  till  I  lie  down  with  my 
other  dear  departed  children  in  the  grave." 

"Trust  to  the  Lord,"  I  answered,  "and  re- 
member his  gracious  promise,  'Even  to  your  old 
age  I  am  he ;  and  even  to  hoary  hairs  will  I  carry 

you.'" 

"I  thank  you,  sir,"  said  the  daughter,  "for 
youi"  Christian  kindness  to  me  and  my  friends. 
I  believe  the  blessing  of  the  Lord  has  attended 
your  visit,  and  I  hope  that  I  have  experienced  it 
to  be  so.     My  dear  father  and  mother  will,  I  am 


88  '  THE  dairyman's  daughter. 

sure,  remember  it;  and  I  rejoice  in  the  opportunity 
of  seeing  so  kind  a  friend  under  this  roof.  Mj 
Saviour  has  been  abundantly  good  to  me  in  pluck- 
ing me  '  as  a  brand  from  the  burning/  and  showing 
me  the  way  of  life  and  peace  :  and  I  hope  it  is  my 
heart's  desire  to  live  to  his  glory.  But  I  long  to 
gee  these  dear  friends  enjoy  the  power  and  comfort 
of  religion  likewise." 

"I  think  it  evident,"  I  replied,  "  that  the  pro- 
mise is  fulfilled  in  their  case,  '  It  shall  come  to 
pass,  that  at  evening  time  it  shall  be  light.' " 

"I  believe  it,"  she  said,  "and  praise  God  for 
the  blessed  hope." 

"Thank  him  too,  that  you  have  been  the  happy 
instrument  of  bringing  them  to  the  light." 

"  I  do,  sir ;  yet,  when  I  think  of  my  own  uu- 
worthiness  and  insufficiency,  I  rejoice  with  trem- 
bling." 

"  Sir,"  said  the  good  old  man,  "  I  am  sure  the 
Lord  will  reward  you  for  this  kindness.  Pray  for 
us,  old  as  we  are,  and  sinners  as  we  have  been, 
that  yet  he  would  have  mercy  upon  us  at  the 
eleventh  hour.  Poor  Betsey  strives  much  for  our 
Bakes,  both  in  body  and  soul ;  she  works  hard  all 
day  to  save  us  trouble,  and  I  fear  has  not  strength 
to  support  all  she  does ;  and  then  she  talks  to  us, 
and  reads  to  us,  and  prays  for  us,  that  we  may  be 


THE  dairyman's  DAUGHTER.  89 

saved  from  the  wrath  to  come.  Indeed,  sir,  she's 
a  rare  child  to  us." 

"Peace  be  to  you  and  to  all  that  belong  to  you !" 

"Amen,  and  thank  you,  dear  sir,"  was  echoed 
from  each  tongue. 

Thus  we  parted  for  that  time.  My  returning 
meditations  were  sweet,  and  I  hope  profitable. 

Many  other  visits  were  afterward  made  by  me 
to  this  peaceful  cottage,  and  I  always  found  in- 
creasing reason  to  thank  God  for  the  intercourse  I 
there  enjoyed. 

An  interval  of  some  length  occurred  once  during 
that, year,  in  which  I  had  not  seen  the  dairyman's 
family.  I  was  reminded  of  the  circumstance  by 
the  receipt  of  the  following  letter : 

"  Rev.  Sir, — I  have  been  expecting  to  see  or 
hear  from  you  for  a  considerable  time.  Excuse 
the  liberty  I  take  in  sending  you  another  letter. 
I  have  been  confined  to  the  house  the  greater  part 

of  the  time  since  I  left .     I  took  cold  that 

day,  and  have  been  worse  ever  since.  I  walk  out 
a  little  on  these  fine  days,  but  seem  to  myself  to 
walk  very  near  on  the  borders  of  eternity.  Glory 
be  to  God,  it  is  a  very  pleasing  prospect  before 
me.  Though  I  feel  the  workings  of  sin,  and  am 
abased,  yet  Jesus  shows  his  mercy  to  be  mine, 
and  I  trust  that  I  am  his.     At  such  times, 

8* 


90  THE  dairyman's  daughter. 

*  My  soul  would  leave  this  heavy  clay 

At  his  transporting  word, 
Run  up  with  joy  the  shining  way 
To  meet  and  praise  the  Lord. 

'  Fearless  of  hell  and  ghastly  death, 

I'd  break  through  every  foe  ; 
The  wings  of  love  and  arms  of  faith 
Would  bear  me  conqueror  through." 

My  desire  is  to  live  every  moment  to  Grod,  that  I 
may,  through  his  grace,  be  kept  in  that  heavenly, 
hapjjy  frame  of  mind,  that  I  shall  wish  for  at  the 
hour  of  death.  We  cannot  live  or  die  happy 
without  this;  and,  to  keep  it,  we  must  be  con- 
tinually watching  and  praying.  For  we  have 
many  enemies  to  disturb  our  peace.  I  am  so  very 
weak,  that  now  I  can  go  nowhere  to  any  outward 
means  for  that  help  which  is  so  refreshing  to  my 
spirit. 

"I  should  have  been  very  happy  to  have  heard 

you  last  Sunday  when  you  preached  at  :  I 

could  not  walk  so  far.  I  hope  the  word  spoken  by 
you  was  made  a  blessing  to  many  that  heard  it. 
It  was  my  earnest  prayer  to  God  that  it  might  be 
so.  But,  alas !  once  calling  does  not  awaken  many 
that  are  in  a  sound  sleep.  Yet  the  voice  of  God 
is  sometimes  very  powerful,  when  his  ministers 
speak ;  when  they  are  influenced  by  his  Holy 
Spirit,  and  are  simple  and  sincere  in  holding  forth 


THE  dairyman's   DAUGHTER.  91 

the  word  of  life.  Then  it  will  teach  us  all  things, 
and  enlighten  our  mind  and  reveal  unto  us  the 
hidden  things  of  darkness,  and  give  us  out  of  that 
divine  treasure  'things  new  and  old.'  Resting  on 
God  to  work  in  us  both  to  will  and  to  do  of  his 
own  good  pleasure,  we  ought  always  to  work  as 
diligent  servants,  that  know  they  have  a  good 
Master,  that  will  surely  not  forget  their  labour  of 
love. 

"  If  we  could  but  fix  our  eyes  always  on  that 
crown  of  glory  that  awaits  us  in  the  skies,  we 
should  never  grow  weary  in  well  doing;  but  should 
run  with  patience  and  delight  in  the  work  and 
ways  of  God,  where  he  appoints  us.  We  should 
not  then,  as  we  too  frequently  do,  suffer  these 
trifling  objects  here  on  earth  to  draw  away  our 
minds  from  God,  to  rob  him  of  his  glory,  and  our 
souls  of  that  happiness  and  comfort  which  the 
believer  may  enjoy  amidst  outward  afflictions.  If 
we  thus  lived  more  by  faith  in  the  Son  of  God, 
we  should  endeavour  to  stir  up  all,  whom  we 
could,  to  seek  after  God.  We  should  tell  them 
what  he  has  done  for  us,  and  what  he  would  do 
for  them,  if  they  truly  sought  him.  We  should 
show  them  what  a  glorious  expectation  there  is  for 
all  true  believers  and  sincere  seekers. 

"When  our  minds  are  so  fixed  on  God,  we  are 
more  desirous  of  glorifying  him,  in  making  known 


92  THE  dairyman's  daughter. 

his  goodness  to  us,  than  the  proud  rich  man  is  of 
getting  honour  to  himself.  I  mourn  over  my  own 
backwardness  to  this  exercise  of  duty,  when  I  think 
of  God's  willingness  to  save  the  vilest  of  the  vile, 
according  to  the  dispensations  of  his  eternal  grace 
and  mercy.  0  !  how  amiable,  how  lovely  does 
this  make  that  God  of  love  appear  to  poor  sinners 
that  can  view  him  as  such.  How  is  the  soul  de- 
lighted with  such  a  contemplation  !  They  that 
have  much  forgiven,  how  much  they  love  ! 

"These  thoughts  have  been  much  on  my  mind 

since  the  death  of  .     I  trust  the  Lord  will 

pardon  me  for  my  neglect.  I  thought  it  was  my 
duty  to  speak  or  write  to  him :  you  remember 
what  I  said  to  you  respecting  it.  But  I  still 
delayed  till  a  more  convenient  season.  0 !  how  I 
was  struck  when  I  heard  the  Lord  had  taken  him 
so  suddenly.  I  was  filled  with  sorrow  and  shame 
for  having  neglected  what  I  had  so  often  resolved 
to  do.  Uut  now  the  time  for  speaking  for  God  to 
him  is  over.  Hence  we  see  that  the  Lord's  time 
is  the  best  time.  Now  the  night  of  death  was 
come  upon  him ;  no  more  work  was  to  be  done. 
If  I  had  done  all  that  lay  in  my  power  to  proclaim 
reconciliation  by  Christ  to  his  soul,  whether  he 
had  heard  or  no,  I  should  have  been  clear  of  his 
blood.  But  I  cannot  recall  the  time  that  is  past, 
nor  him  from  the  grave.     Had  I  known  the  Lord 


THE  dairyman's  DAUGHTER.  93 

would  have  called  him  so  suddenly,  how  diligent 
I  should  have  been  to  warn  him  of  his  danger ; 
But  it  is  enough  that  God  shows  us  what  rce  are 
to  do,  and  not  what  he  is  about  to  do  with  us  or 
any  of  his  creatures.  Pray,  sir,  do  all  you  can 
for  the  glory  of  God.  The  time  will  soon  pass  by, 
and  then  we  shall  enter  that  glorious  rest  that  he 
hath  prepared  for  them  that  love  him.  I  pray 
God  to  fill  you  with  that  zeal  and  love  which  he 
only  can  inspire,  that  you  may  daily  win  souls  to 
Christ.  May  he  deliver  you  from  all  slavish  fear 
of  man,  and  give  you  boldness,  as  he  did  of  old 
those  that  were  filled  with  the  Holy  Ghost  and 
with  power ! 

"  Remember,  Christ  has  promised  to  be  with 
all  his  faithful  ministers  to  the  end  of  time.  The 
greater  dangers  and  difficulties  they  are  exposed 
to,  the  more  powerful  his  assistance.  Then,  sir, 
let  us  fear  none  but  him.  I  hope  you  will  pray 
much  for  me,  a  poor  sinner,  that  God  will  perfect 
his  strength  in  my  weakness  of  body  and  mind. 
For  without  him  I  can  do  nothing.  But  when  I 
can  experience  the  teachings  of  that  Holy  One,  I 
need  no  other  teacher.  May  the  Lord  anoint  you 
with  the  same,  and  give  you  every  grace  of  his 
Holy  Spirit,  that  you  may  be  filled  with  all  the 
fulness  of  God ;  that  you  may  know  what  is  the 
height  and  depth,  the  length  and  breadth  of  the 


94  THE  dairyman's  daughter. 

love  of  G  od  in  Christ  Jesus  :  that  you  may  be  iu 
the  hand  of  the  Lord,  as  a  keen  archer  to  draw 
the  bow,  while  the  Lord  directs  and  fastens  the 
arrows  of  conviction  in  the  hearts  of  such  as  are 
under  your  ministry  ! 

"  I  sincerely  pray  that  jow  may  be  made  a  bless- 
ing to  him  that  has  taken  the  place  of  the  deceased. 
I  have  heard  that  you  are  fellow-countrymen :  I 
hope  you  arc,  however,  both  as  strangers  in  this 
world,  that  have  no  abiding  place,  but  seek  a  coun- 
try out  of  sight. 

"  Pray  excuse  all  faults  from  your  humble  ser- 
vant in  the  bonds  of  the  gospel  of  Christ, 

"  Elizabeth  Wallbridqe." 

When  I  perused  this  and  other  letters,  which 
were  at  diifercnt  times  written  to  me  by  the  dairy- 
man's daughter,  I  felt  that,  in  the  person  of  this 
interesting  correspondent,  were  singularly  united 
the  characters  of  an  humble  disciple  and  a  faithful 
monitor.  I  wished  to  acknowledge  the  goodness 
of  God  in  each  of  these  her  capacities. 

I  sometimes  entertain  a  hope  that  the  last  day 
will  unfold  the  value  of  these  epistolary  communi- 
cations, beyond  even  any  present  estimate  of  their 
spiritual  importance. 


THE   DAIRTMAN's  DAUGHTER.  95 


PART  lY. 

The  translation  of  sinners,  "from  the  power  of 
darkness  into  the  kingdom  of  God's  dear  Son,"  is 
the  joy  of  Christians  and  the  admiration  of  angels. 
Every  penitent  and  pardoned  soul  is  a  new  witness 
to  the  triumphs  of  the  Redeemer  over  sin,  death, 
and  the  grave.  How  great  the  change  that  is 
wrought !  The  child  of  wrath  becomes  a  monu- 
ment of  grace — a  brand  plucked  from  the  burn- 
ing !  "  If  any  man  be  in  Christ,  he  is  a  new 
creature :  old  things  are  passed  away ;  behold,  all 
things  are  become  new."  How  marvellous,  how 
interesting  is  the  spiritual  history  of  each  indivi- 
dual believer  !  He  is,  like  David,  "  a  wonder  unto 
many;"  but  the  greatest  wonder  of  all  unto  him- 
self. Others  may  doubt  whether  it  be  so,  or  not; 
but  to  him  it  is  unequivocally  proved,  that,  from 
first  to  last,  grace  alone  reigns  in  the  works  of  his 
salvation. 

The  character  and  privileges  of  real  Christians 
are  beautifully  described  in  the  language  of  our 
Church,  who,  when  speaking  of  the  objects  of  di- 
vine favour  and  compassion,  says  :  "They  that  be 
endued  with  so  excellent  a  benefit  of  God,  be  called 
according  to  God's  purpose  in  due  season  :  they 
through  grace  obey  the  calling :  they  be  justified 


96  THE  dairyman's  daughter. 

freely:  they  bo  made  sons  of  God  by  adoption: 
they  be  made  like  the  image  of  his  only  begotten 
Son,  Jesus  Christ :  they  walk  religiously  in  good 
works;  and  at  length  by  Grod's  mercy  they  attain 
to  everlasting  felicity." 

Such  a  conception  and  display  of  the  Almighty 
wisdom,  power,  and  love,  is  indeed  ''full  of  sweet, 
pleasant,  and  unspeakable  comfort  to  godly  persons, 
and  such  as  feel  in  themselves  the  working  of  the 
Spirit  of  Christ  mortifying  the  works  of  the  flesh, 
and  their  earthly  members;  and  drawing  up  their 
minds  to  high  and  heavenly  things :  it  doth  greatly 
establish  and  confirm  their  faith  of  eternal  salva- 
tion to  be  enjoyed  through  Christ,  and  doth  fer- 
vently kindle  their  love  toward  Grod." 

Nearly  allied  to  the  consolation  of  a  good  hope 
through' grace,  as  it  respects  our  own  personal  state 
before  God,  is  that  of  seeing  its  evidences  shed 
lustre  over  the  disposition  and  conduct  of  others. 
Bright  was  the  exhibition  of  the  union  between 
true  Christian  enjoyment  and  Christian  exertion, 
in  the  character  whose  moral  and  spiritual  features 
I  am  attempting  to  delineate. 

It  seemed  to  be  the  first  wish  of  her  heart  to 
prove  to  others,  what  God  had  already  proved  to 
her,  that  Jesus  is  "  the  way,  and  the  truth,  and 
the  life."  She  desired  to  evince  the  reality  of  her 
calling,  justification,  and  adoption  into  the  family 


THE   dairyman's   DAUGHTER.  97 

of  God,  by  showing  a  conformity  to  the  image  of 
Christ,  and  by  walking  ''religiously  in  good 
works :"  she  trusted  that,  in  this  path  of  faith  and 
obedience,  she  should  "at  length,  by  God's  mercy, 
attain  to  everlasting  felicity." 

I  had  the  spiritual  charge  of  another  parish,  ad- 
joining to  that  in  which  I  resided.  It  was  a  small 
district  and  had  but  few  inhabitants.  The  church 
was  pleasantly  situated  on  a  rising  bank,  at  the 
foot  of  a  considerable  hill.  It  was  surrounded  by 
trees,  and  had  a  rural,  retired  appearance.  Close 
to  the  church-yard  stood  a  large  old  mansion, 
which  had  formerly  been  the  residence  of  an  opu- 
lent and  titled  family ;  but  it  had  long  since  been 
appropriated  to  the  use  of  the  estate  as  a  farm- 
house. Its  outward  aspect  bore  considerable  re- 
mains of  ancient  grandeur,  and  gave  a  pleasing 
character  to  the  spot  of  ground  on  which  the 
church  stood. 

In  every  direction  the  roads  that  led  to  this 
house  of  God  possessed  distinct  but  interesting 
features.  One  of  them  ascended  between  several 
rural  cottages,  from  the  sea-shore,  which  adjoined 
the  lower  part  of  the  village  street.  Another 
wound  round  the  curved  sides  of  the  adjacent  hill, 
and  was  adorned  both  above  and  below  with 
numerous  sheep  feeding  on  the  herbage  of  the 
down.     A  third  road  led  to  the  church  by  a  gently 


ys  THE  DAIRYMAN  S   DAUGHTER. 

rising  approach,  between  high  banks,  covered  with 
young  trees,  bushes,  ivy,  hedge  plants,  and  wild 
flowers. 

From  a  point  of  land  which  commanded  a  view 
of  all  these  several  avenues,  I  used  sometimes  for 
a  while  to  watch  my  congregation  gradually  as- 
sembling together  at  the  hour  of  Sabbath  worship. 
They  were  in  some  directions  visible  for  a  consider- 
able distance.  Gratifying  associations  of  thought 
would  form  in  my  mind,  as  I  contemplated  their 
approach  and  successive  arrival  within  the  pre- 
cincts of  the  house  of  prayer. 

One  day  as  I  was  thus  occupied,  during  a  short 
interval  previous  to  the  hour  of  divine  service,  I 
reflected  on  the  joy  which  David  experienced,  at 
the  time  he  exclaimed :  "  I  was  glad,  when  they 
said  unto  me,  Let  us  go  into  the  house  of  the  Lord. 
Our  feet  shall  stand  within  thy  gates,  0  Jerusalem. 
Jerusalem  is  builded  as  a  city  that  is  compact  to- 
gether ;  whither  the  tribes  go  up,  the  tribes  of  the 
Lord,  unto  the  testimony  of  Israel,  to  give  thanks 
unto  the  name  of  the  Lord." 

I  was  led  to  reflect  upon  the  various  blessings 
connected  with  the  establishment  of  public  wor- 
ship. "■  How  many  immortal  souls  are  now 
gathering  together  to  perform  the  all-important 
work  of  prayer  and  praise — to  hear  the  word  of 
God — to  feed  upon  the  bread  of  life  !     They  are 


THE   dairyman's   DAUGHTER.  99 

leaving  their  respective  dwellings,  and  will  soon 
be  united  together  in  the  house  of  prayer.  IIow 
beautifully  does  this  represent  the  eifect  produced 
by  the  voice  of  'the  good  Shepherd/  calling  his 
sheep  from  every  part  of  the  wilderness  into  his 
fold  !  As  these  fields,  hills,  and  lanes,  are  now 
covered  with  men,  women,  and  children  in  various 
directions,  drawing  nearer  to  each  other,  and  to 
the  object  of  their  journey's  end;  even  so,  many 
'  shall  come  from  the  east,  and  from  the  west,  and 
from  the  north,  and  from  the  south,  and  shall  sit 
down  in  the  kingdom  of  God.'  " 

Who  can  rightly  appreciate  the  value  of  such 
hours  as  these  ? — hours  spent  in  learning  the  ways 
of  holy  pleasantness  and  the  paths  of  heavenly 
peace — hours  devoted  to  the  service  of  God  and 
of  souls ;  in  warning  the  sinner  to  flee  from  the 
wrath  to  come !  in  teaching  the  ignorant  how  to 
live  and  die ;  in  preaching  the  gospel  to  the  poor ; 
in  healing  the  broken-hearted ;  in  declaring  deliv- 
erance to  the  captives,  and  recovering  of  sight  to 
the  blind." — '^  Blessed  is  the  people  that  know 
the  joyful  sound  :  they  shall  walk,  0  Lord,  in  the 
light  of  thy  countenance.  In  thy  name  shall  they 
rejoice  all  the  day,  and  in  thy  righteousness  shall 
they  be  exalted." 

My  thoughts  then  pursued  a  train  of  reflection 
on  the  importance  of  the  ministerial  office,  as  con- 


100  THE  dairyman's  DAUGHTER. 

nected  in  the  purposes  of  God  with  the  salvation 
of  sinners.  I  inwardly  prayed  that  those  many 
individuals  whom  he  had  given  me  to  instruct, 
might  not,  through  my  neglect  or  error,  be  as  sheep 
having  no  shepherd,  nor  as  the  blind  led  by  the 
blind :  but  rather  that  I  might,  in  season  and  out 
of  season,  faithfully  proclaim  the  simple  and  undis- 
guised truths  of  the  gospel,  to  the  glory  of  God 
and  the  prosperity  of  his  church. 

At  that  instant,  near  the  bottom  of  the  enclosed 
lane  which  led  to  the  church-yard,  I  observed  a 
friend,  whom  at  such  a  distance  from  his  own 
home,  I  little  expected  to  meet.  It  was  the  vene- 
rable dairyman.  He  came  up  the  ascent,  leaning 
with  one  hand  on  his  trusty  staff,  and  with  the 
other  on  the  arm  of  a  younger  man,  well  known  to 
me,  who  appeared  to  be  much  gratified  in  meeting 
with  such  a  companion  by  the  way. 

My  station  was  on  the  top  of  one  of  the  banks 
which  formed  the  hollow  road  beneath.  They 
passed  a  few  yards  below  me.  I  was  concealed 
from  their  sight  by  a  projecting  tree.  They  were 
talking  of  the  mercies  of  God,  and  the  unsearch- 
able riches  of  his  grace.  The  dairyman  was  tell- 
ing his  companion  what  a  blessing  the  Lord  had 
given  him  in  his  daughter.  His  countenance 
brightened  as  he  named  her,  and  called  her  his 
precious  Betsey. 


THE   dairyman's   DAUGHTER.  101 

I  met  them  at  a  stile  not  many  yards  beyond, 
and  accompanied  them  to  the  church  which  was 
hard  by. 

"  Sir,"  said  the  old  man,  "  I  have  brought  a 
letter  from  my  daughter — I  hope  I  am  in  time  for 
divine  service.  Seven  miles  is  now  become  a  long 
walk  for  me :  I  grow  old  and  weak — I  am  very 
glad  to  see  you,  sir." 

"How  is  your  daughter?" 

"Very  poorly  indeed,  sir,  very  poorly — the 
doctors  say  it  is  a  decline.  I  sometimes  hope  she 
will  get  the  better  of  it;  but  then  again  I  have 
many  fears.  You  know,  sir,  that  I  have  cause  to 
love  and  prize  her.  0  !  it  would  be  such  a  trial ; 
but  the  Lord  knows  what  is  best.  Excuse  my 
weakness,  sir." 

He  put  a  letter  into  my  hand,  the  perusal  of 
which  I  reserved  till  afterward,  as  the  time  was 
nigh  for  going  into  church. 

The  presence  of  this  aged  pilgrim,  and  the 
peculiar  reverence  and  affection  with  which  he 
joined  in  the  different  parts  of  the  sei-vice,  excited 
many  gratifying  thoughts  in  my  mind ;  such  as 
rather  furthered  than  interrupted  devotion. 

The  train  of  reflection  in  which  I  had  been  en- 
gaged, when  I  first  discovered  him  in  the  road,  at 
intervals  recurred  powerfully  to  my  feelings,  as  I 
viewed  that  very  congregation  assembled  together 
9* 


102  THE  dairyman's   DAUGHTER. 

in  the  house  of  God,  whose  steps,  in  their  ap- 
proach toward  it,  I  had  watched  with  prayerful 
emotions. 

"Here  the  rich  and  poor  meet  together,  in  mu- 
tual acknowledgment  that  the  Lord  is  the  Maker 
of  them  all ;  and  that  all  are  alike  dependent  crea- 
tures, looking  up  to  one  common  Father  to  supply 
their  wants,  both  temporal  and  spiritual. 

"Again,  likewise,  will  they  meet  together  in 
the  grave,  that  undistinguishing  receptacle  of  the 
opulent  and  the  needy. 

"  And  once  more,  at  the  judgment-seat  of  Christ, 
shall  the  rich  and  the  poor  meet  together,  that 
*  every  one  may  receive  the  things  done  in  his  body, 
according  to  that  he  hath  done,  whether  it  be  good 
or  bad.' 

"How  closely  connected  in  the  history  of  man 
are  these  three  periods  of  a  general  meeting  to- 
gether ! 

"  The  house  of  prayer — the  house  appointed  for 
all  living — and  the  house  not  made  with  hands, 
eternal  in  the  heavens.  May  we  never  separate 
these  ideas  from  each  other,  but  retain  them  in  a 
sacred  and  profitable  union  !  So  shall  our  wor- 
shipping assemblies  on  earth  be  representative  of 
the  general  assembly  and  church  of  the  first-born, 
which  are  written  in  heaven." 

When  the   congregation   dispersed,  I  entered 


THE  dairyman's   DAUGHTER.  103 

into  discourse  with  the  dairyman  and  a  few  of  the 
poor  of  my  flock,  whose  minds  were  of  like  disposi- 
tion to  his  own.  He  seldom  could  speak  long  to- 
gether without  some  reference  to  his  dear  child. 
He  loved  to  tell  how  merciful  his  God  had  been  to 
him,  in  the  dutiful  and  affectionate  attentions  of 
his  daughter.  All  real  Christians  feel  a  tender 
and  spiritual  attachment  toward  those  who  have 
been  the  instrument  of  bringing  them  to  an  effec- 
tual knowledge  of  the  way  of  salvation ;  but  when 
that  instrument  is  one  so  nearly  allied,  how  dear 
does  the  relationship  become  ! 

If  my  friend  the  dairyman  was  in  any  danger 
of  falling  into  idolatry,  his  child  would  have  been 
the  idol  of  his  affections.  She  was  the  prop  and 
stay  of  her  parents'  declining  years,  and  they 
t^carcely  knew  how  sufficiently  to  testify  the  grati- 
tude of  their  hearts  for  the  comfort  and  blessing 
which  she  was  the  means  of  affording  them. 

While  he  was  relating  several  particulars  of  his 
family  history  to  the  others,  I  opened  and  read 
the  following  letter : — 

"  Sir, — Once  more  I  take  the  liberty  to  trouble 
you  with  a  few  lines.  I  received  your  letter  with 
great  pleasure,  and  thank  you  for  it.  I  am  now 
so  weak  that  I  am  unable  to  walk  to  any  public 
place  of  divine  worship,  a  privilege  which  has 


104  THE   dairyman's   DAUGHTER. 

heretofore  always  so  much  strengthened  and  re- 
freshed me.  I  used  to  go  in  anxious  expectation 
to  meet  my  Grod,  and  hold  sweet  communion  with 
him,  and  I  was  seldom  disappointed.  In  the 
means  of  grace  all  the  channels  of  divine  mercy 
are  open  to  every  heart  that  is  lifted  up  to  receive 
out  of  that  divine  fulness  grace  for  grace.  These 
are  the  times  of  refreshing  from  the  presence  of 
the  Lord.  How  have  I  rejoiced  to  hear  a  faithful 
and  lively  messenger,  just  come,  as  it  were,  from 
communion  with  God  at  the  throne  of  grace,  with 
his  heart  warmed  and  filled  with  divine  love,  to 
speak  to  fallen  sinners !  Such  a  one  has  seemed 
to  me  as  if  his  face  shone  as  that  of  Moses  did 
with  the  glory  of  God,  when  he  came  down  from 
the  mount;  where  he  had  been  within  the  veil. 
May  you,  sir,  imitate  him  as  he  did  Christ,  that 
all  may  see  and  know  that  the  Lord  dwelleth  with 
you,  and  that  you  dwell  in  him  through  the  unity 
of  the  blessed  Spirit.  I  trust  you  are  no  stranger 
to  his  divine  teaching,  aid,  and  assistance,  in  all 
you  set  your  hand  to  do  for  the  glory  of  God. 

'^  I  hope,  sir,  the  sincerity  of  my  wishes  for 
your  spiritual  welfare  will  plead  an  excuse  for  the 
freedom  of  my  address  to  you.  I  pray  the  Giver 
of  every  perfect  gift  that  you  may  experience  the 
mighty  workings  of  his  gracious  Spirit  in  your 
heart  and  your  ministry,  and  rest  your  all  on  the 


THE  dairyman's  DAUGHTER.  105 

justifying  and  purifying  blood  of  an  expiring  Re- 
deemer. Then  will  you  triumph  in  his  strength, 
and  be  enabled  to  say  with  the  poet : — 

*  Shall  I  through  fear  cf  feeble  men 
The  Spirit's  course  strive  to  restrain? 
Or,  undismay'd  in  deed  and  word, 
Be  a  true  witness  for  my  Lord  ? 

*  Awed  by  a  mortal's  frown,  shall  I 
Conceal  the  word  of  God  most  high  ? 
How  then  before  thee  shall  I  dare 
To  stand,  or  how  thine  anger  bear  ? 

*  Shall  I,  to  soothe  th'  unholy  throng, 
Soften  thy  truths,  and  smooth  my  tongue. 
To  gain  earth's  gilded  toys,  or  flee 

The  cross  endured,  my  God,  by  thee  ? 

'  What  then  is  he,  whose  scorn  I  dread. 
Whose  wrath  or  hate  makes  me  afraid  ? 
A  man?  an  heir  of  death?  a  slave 
To  sin,  a  bubble  on  the  wave  ? 

'  Yea,  let  men  rage,  since  thou  wilt  spread 
Thy  shadowing  wings  around  my  head : 
Since  in  all  pain  thy  tender  love 
Will  still  my  sure  refreshment  prove. 

'  Still  shall  the  love  of  Christ  constrain 
To  seek  the  wandering  souls  of  men. 
With  cries,  entreaties,  tears  to  save. 
And  snatch  them  from  the  yawning  grave. 


106  THE   dairyman's   DAUGHTER. 

*  For  this  let  men  revile  my  name, 
No  cross  I  shun,  I  fear  no  shame  : 
All  hail  reproach,  and  welcome  pain, 
Only  thy  terrors,  Lord,  restrain.' 

''  I  trust,  sir,  that  you  see  what  a  glorious  high 
calling  yours  is,  and  that  you  are  one  of  those  who 
walk  humbly  with  God,  that  you  may  be  taught 
of  him  in  all  things.  Persons  in  your  place  are 
messengers  of  the  most  high  God.  Is  it  too  much 
to  say  they  should  live  like  the  angels  in  all  holi- 
ness, and  be  filled  with  love  and  zeal  for  men's 
souls  ?  They  are  ambassadors  in  Christ's  stead, 
to  persuade  sinners  to  be  reconciled  to  God.  So 
that  your  calling  is  above  that  of  angels :  for  they 
are  afterward  to  minister  to  the  heirs  of  salvation ; 
but  the  sinner  must  be  first  reconciled  to  God. 
And  you  are  called  upon  from  day  to  day  to  inter- 
cede with  man,  as  his  friend,  that  you  may  win 
souls  to  Christ.  Christ  is  ascended  up  on  high, 
to  intercede  with  his  Father  for  guilty  sinners,  and 
to  plead  for  them  the  merits  of  his  death.  So 
that  Christ  and  his  faithful  ministers,  through  the 
operation  of  the  blessed  Spirit,  are  co-workers  to- 
gether. Yet  without  him  we  can  do  nothing ;  our 
strength  is  his  strength,  and  his  is  all  the  glory 
from  first  to  last. 

"  It  is  my  heart's  prayer  and  desire,  sir,  that 
you  may,  by  a  living  faith,  cleave  closer  to  that 


THE   dairyman's   DAUfillTER.  107 

blessed,  exalted  Lamb  of  God,  who  died  to  redeem 
us  from  sin — that  you  may  have  a  sweet  commu- 
nion with  Father,  Son,  and  Spirit — that  you  may 
sink  deep  in  humble  love,  and  rise  high  in  the  life 
of  Grod.  Thus  will  you  have  such  discoveries  of 
the  beaxities  of  Christ  and  his  eternal  glory,  as  will 
fill  your  heart  with  true  delight. 

"If  I  am  not  deceived,  I  wish  myself  to  enjoy 
his  gracious  favour,  more  than  all  the  treasures 
which  earth  can  afford.  I  would  in  comparison 
look  upon  them  with  holy  disdain,  and  as  not 
worth  an  anxious  thought,  that  they  may  not  have 
power  on  my  heart,  to  draw  or  attract  it  from  G  od, 
who  is  worthy  of  my  highest  esteem,  and  of  all 
my  affections.  It  should  be  our  endeavour  to  set 
him  always  before  us,  that  in  all  things  we  may 
act  as  in  his  immediate  presence  :  that  we  may  be 
filled  with  that  holy  fear,  that  we  may  not  dare 
wilfully  to  sin  against  him.  We  should  earnestly 
entreat  the  Lord  to  mortify  the  power  and  working 
of  sin  and  unbelief  within  us,  by  making  Christ 
appear  more  and  more  precious  in  our  eyes,  and 
more  dear  to  our  hearts. 

"  It  fills  my  heart  with  thankful  recollections, 
while  I  attempt  in  this  weak  manner  to  speak  of 
Grod's  love  to  man.  When  I  reflect  on  my  past 
sins  and  Ms  past  mercies,  I  am  assured,  that  if  I 
had  all  the  gifts  of  wise  men  and  angels,  I  could 


108  THE  dairyman's   DAUGHTER. 

never  sufficiently  describe  my  own  inward  sense 
of  his  undeserved  love  toward  me.  We  can  better 
enjoy  these  glorious  apprehensions  in  our  hearts 
than  explain  them  to  others.  But,  0  !  how  un- 
worthy of  them  all  are  we !  Consciousness  of  m  j 
own  corruptions  keeps  me  often  low;  yet  faith 
and  desire  will  eagerly  mount  on  high,  beseeching 
G-od  that  he  would,  according  to  the  apostle's 
prayer,  fill  me  with  all  his  communicable  fulness, 
in  the  gifts  and  graces  of  his  Spirit :  that  I  may 
walk  well-pleasing  before  him,  in  all  holy  con- 
versation, perfecting  holiness  in  his  fear. 

"  If  I  err  in  boldness,  sir,  pray  pardon  me,  and 
in  your  next  letter  confirm  my  hope,  that  you  will 
be  my  counsellor  and  guide. 

"  I  can  only  recompense  your  kindness  to  me 
by  my  prayers,  that  your  own  intercourse  with 
<rod  may  be  abundantly  blessed  to  you  and  yours. 
I  consider  the  Saviour  saying  to  you,  as  he  did  to 
Peter,  ^  Lovest  thou  me  !'  and  may  your  heart-felt 
experience  be  compelled  to  reply,  '  Thou  knowest 
all  things;  thou  knowest  that  I  love  thee'  su- 
premely. May  he  have  evident  marks  of  it  in  all 
your  outward  actions  of  love  and  humanity,  in 
feeding  his  flock,  and  in  the  inward  fervour  and 
affection  of  all  your  consecrated  powers :  that  you 
may  be  zealously  engaged  in  pulling  down  the 
strongholds  of  sin  and  Satan,  and  building  up  his 


THE   dairyman's   DAUGHTER.  109 

church ;  sowing  the  seeds  of  righteousness,  and 
praying  God  to  give  the  increase — that  you  may 
not  labour  for  him  in  vain  ;  but  may  see  the  trees 
bud  and  blossom,  and  bring  forth  fruit  abundantly, 
to  the  praise  and  glory  of  your  heavenly  Master. 
In  order  to  give  you  encouragement  he  says, 
whosoever  '  converteth  a  sinner  from  the  error  of 
his  way,  shall  save  a  soul  from  death;'  and  that 
will  increase  the  brightness  of  your  crown  in 
glory.  This  hath  Christ  merited  for  his  faithful 
ministers. 

"I  hope,  sir,  you  will  receive  grace  to  be  sin- 
cere in  reproving  sin,  wherever  you  see  it.  You 
will  find  divine  assistance,  and  all  fear  and  shame 
taken  from  you.  Great  peace  will  be  given  to 
you,  and  wisdom,  strength,  and  courage  according 
to  your  work.  You  will  be  as  Paul ;  having  much 
learning,  you  can  speak  to  men  in  all  stations .  in 
life,  by  God's  assistance.  The  fear  of  offending 
them  will  never  prevent  you,  when  you  consider 
the  glory  of  God ;  and  man's  immortal  soul  is  of 
more  value  than  his  present  favour  and  esteem. 
In  particular,  you  are  in  an  oflSce  wherein  you  can 
visit  all  the  sick.  Man's  extremity  is  often  God's 
opportunity.  In  this  way  you  may  prove  an  in- 
strument in  his  hand  to  do  his  work.  Although 
he  can  work  without  means,  yet  his  usual  way  is 
by  means:  and  I  trust  you  are  a  chosen  vessel 
10 


110  THE  dairyman's  DAUGHTER. 

imto  him,  to  prove  bis  name  and  declare  his  truth 
to  all  men. 

"  Visiting  the  sick  is  a  strict  command,  and  a 
duty  for  every  Christian.  None  can  tell  what  good 
may  be  done.  I  wish  it  was  never  neglected,  as 
it  too  often  is.  Many  think,  that  if  they  attend 
in  the  church — the  minister  to  preach,  and  the 
people  to  hear — their  duty  is  done.  But  more  is 
required  than  this.  May  the  Lord  stir  up  the 
gift  that  is  in  his  people  and  ministers,  that  they 
may  have  compassion  on  their  fellow-sinners,  that 
they  may  never  think  it  too  late,  but  remember, 
that,  while  there  is  life,  there  is  hope  ! 

''  Once  more,  I  pray,  sir,  pardon  and  excuse  all 
my  errors  in  judgment,  and  the  ignorance  that 
this  is  penned  in ;  and  may  God  bless  you  in  all 
things,  and  particularly  your  friendship  to  me  and 
my  parents  !  What  a  comfort  is  family  religion  ! 
T  do  not  doubt,  but  this  is  your  desire,  as  it  is 
mine,  to  say, 

'  I  and  my  house  ■will  serve  the  Lord, 
But  first  obedient  to  his  word 

I  must  myself  appear : 
By  actions,  words,  and  tempers  show, 
That  I  my  heavenly  JIaster  know, 

And  serve  with  heart  sincere. 

'  I  must  the  fair  example  set, 
From  those  that  on  my  pleasure  wait      * 
The  stumbling-block  remove ; 


THE  dairyman's  DAUGHTER.  Ill 

Their  duty  by  my  life  explain, 
And  still  in  all  my  works  maintain 
The  dignity  of  love. 

'  Easy  to  be  entreated,  mild, 
Quickly  appeased  and  reconciled, 

A  follower  of  my  God ; 
A  saint  indeed  I  long  to  be, 
And  lead  my  faithful  family 

In  the  celestial  road. 

*  Lord,  if  thou  dost  the  wish  infuse, 
A  vessel  fitted  for  thy  use 

Into  thy  hands  receive ; 
Work  in  me  both  to  will  and  do. 
And  show  them  how  believers  true 

And  real  Chi'istians  live. 

'  With  all-sufficient  grace  supply, 
And  then  I'll  come  to  testifj' 

The  wonders  of  thy  name, 
Which  saves  from  sin,  the  world,  and  hell, 
Its  power  may  every  sinner  feel 
And  every  tongue  proclaim ! 

'  Cleansed  by  the  blood  of  Christ  from  sin, 
I  seek  my  relatives  to  win. 

And  preach  their  sins  forgiven ; 
Children,  and  wife,  and  servants  seize, 
And  through  the  paths  of  pleasantness 

Conduct  them  all  to  heaven.' 

"  Living  so  much  in  a  solitary  way,  books  are 
my  companions ;  and  poetry,  which  speaks  of  the 


112  THE   dairyman's   DAUGHTER. 

love  of  God  and  the  mercies  of  Christ,  is  very 
sweet  to  my  mind.  This  must  be  my  excuse  for 
troubling  you  to  read  verses  which  others  have 
written.     I  have  intended,  if  my  declining  state 

of  health  will  permit,  to  go  to for  a  few  days. 

I  say  this  lest  you  should  call  in  expectation  of 
seeing  me,  during  any  part  of  next  week.  But 
my  dear  father  and  mother,  for  whose  precious 
souls  I  am  very  anxious,  will  reap  the  benefit  of 
your  visit  at  all  events.     From 

"  Your  humble  and  unworthy  servant, 

"  Elizabeth  Wallbridge." 

Having  read  it,  I  said  to  the  father  of  my  highly 
valued  correspondent, 

"  I  thank  you  for  being  the  bearer  of  this  letter : 
your  daughter  is  a  kind  friend  and  faithful  coun- 
sellor to  me,  as  well  as  to  you.  Tell  her  how 
highly  I  esteem  her  friendship,  and  that  I  feel 
truly  obliged  for  the  many  excellent  sentiments 
which  she  has  here  expressed.  Give  her  my 
blessing,  and  assure  her  that  the  oftener  she 
writes,  the  more  thankful  I  shall  be." 

The  dairyman's  enlivened  eye  gleamed  with 
pleasure  as  I  spoke.  The  praise  of  his  Elizabeth 
was  a  string  which  could  not  be  touched  without 
causing  every  nerve  of  his  whole  frame  to  vibrate. 

His  voice  half  faltered,  as  he  spoke  in  reply; 


THE   dairyman's   DAUGHTER.  113 

the  tear  started  in  his  eyes ;  his  hand  trembled,  as 
I  pressed  it ;  his  heart  was  full ;  he  could  only 

say, 

"  Sir,  a  poor  old  man  thanks  you  for  your  kind- 
'  ness  to  him  and  his  family :  God  bless  you,  sir ; 
I  hope  we  shall  soon  see  you  again." 

Thus  we  parted  for  that  day. 


PART  V. 

It  has  not  unfrequently  been  observed,  that 
when  it  is  the  Lord's  pleasure  to  remove  any  of 
his  faithful  followers  out  of  this  life  at  an  early 
period  of  their  course,  they  make  rapid  progress 
in  the  experience  of  divine  ti-uth.  The  fruits  of 
the  Spirit  ripen  fast  within  them,  as  they  advance 
to  the  close  of  mortal  existence.  In  particular 
they  grow  in  humility,  through  a  deeper  sense  of 
inward  corruption,  and  a  clearer  view  of  the  per- 
fect character  of  the  Saviour.  Disease  and  bodily 
weakness  make  the  thoughts  of  eternity  recur  with 
frequency  and  power.  The  great  question  of  their 
own  personal  salvation — the  quality  of  their  faith, 
the  sincerity  of  their  love,  and  the  purity  of  their 
hope — is  in  continual  exercise. 

Unseen  realities,  at  such  a  time,  occupy  a  larger 
portion  of  thought  than  before.     The  state  of  ex- 

10* 


114  THE   dairyman's   DAUGHTEU. 

jstenee  beyond  the  grave,  the  invisible  world,  the 
unalterable  character  of  the  dead,  the  future  judg- 
ment, the  total  separation  from  every  thing  earthly, 
the  dissolution  of  body  and  spirit,  and  their  re- 
union at  the  solemn  hour  of  resui'rection — these 
are  subjects  for  their  meditation,  which  call  for 
serious  earnestness  of  soul.  Whatever  consola- 
tions from  the  Spirit  of  God  they  may  have  en- 
joyed heretofore,  they  become  now  doubly  anxious 
to  examine  and  prove  themselves,  "  whether  they 
be  indeed  in  the  faith."  In  doing  this,  they  some- 
times pass  through  hidden  conflicts  of  a  dark  and 
distressing  nature  :  from  which,  however,  they 
come  forth,  like  gold  tried  in  the  furnace.  A  while 
they  may  "  sow  in  tears,"  but  soon  they  "  reap 
in  joy." 

Their  religious  feelings  have  then,  perhaps,  less 
of  ecstasy,  but  more  of  serenity. 

As  the  ears  of  corn  ripen  for  the  harvest,  they 
bow  their  heads  nearer  to  the  ground.  So  it  is 
with  believers ;  they  then  see  more  than  ever  of 
their  own  imperfections,  and  often  express  their 
sense  of  it  in  strong  language;  yet  they  repose 
with  a  growing  confidence  on  the  love  of  God 
through  Christ  Jesus.  The  nearer  they  advance 
to  their  eternal  rest,  the  more  humble  they  be- 
come, but  not  the  less  useful  in  their  sphere. 
They  feel  anxiously  desirous  of  improving  every 


THE   dairyman's   DAUGHTER.  115 

talent  they  possess  to  the  glory  of  God,  knowing 
that  the  time  is  short. 

I  thought  I  observed  the  truth  of  these  remarks 
fulfilled  in  the  progressive  state  of  mind  of  the 
dairyman's  daughter. 

Declining  health  seemed  to  indicate  the  will  of 
God  concerning  her.  But  her  character,  conduct, 
and  experience  of  the  divine  favour  increased  in 
brightness  as  the  setting  sun  of  her  mortal  life 
approached  its  horizon.  The  last  letter  which, 
with  the  exception  of  a  very  short  note,  I  ever 
received  from  her,  I  shall  now  transcribe.  It 
appeared  to  me  to  bear  the  marks  of  a  still  deeper 
acquaintance  with  the  workings  of  her  own  heart, 
and  a  more  entire  reliance  upon  the  free  mercy 
of  God. 

The  original,  while  I  copy  it,  strongly  revives 
the  image  of  the  deceased,  and  the  many  profitable 
conversations  which  I  once  enjoyed  in  her  com- 
pany, and  that  of  her  parents.  It  again  endears 
me  to  the  recollections  of  cottage  piety,  and  helps 
me  to  anticipate  the  joys  of  that  day  when  the 
spirits  of  the  glorified  saints  shall  be  reunited  to 
their  bodies,  and  be  for  ever  with  the  Lord. 

The  writer  of  this  and  the  preceding  letters 
herself  little  imagined,  when  they  were  penned, 
that  they  would  ever  be  submitted  to  the  public 
eye :  that  they  now  are  so,  results  from  a  con- 


116  THE   dairyman's   DAUGHTER. 

viction  that  tlie  frieuds  of  the  pious  poor  will  es- 
timate them  according  to  their  value ;  and  a  hope 
that  it  may  please  God  to  honour  these  memorials 
of  the  dead  to  the  effectual  edification  of  the  living. 

"  Rev.  Sir, — In  consequence  of  your  kind  per- 
mission, I  take  the  liberty  to  trouble  you  with 
another  of  my  ill-written  letters ;  and  I  trust  you 
have  too  much  of  your  blessed  Master's  lowly, 
meek,  and  humble  mind,  to  be  offended  with  a 
poor,  simple,  ignorant  creature,  whose  intentions 
are  pure  and  sincere  in  writing.  My  desire  is, 
that  I,  a  weak  vessel  of  his  grace,  may  glorify  his 
name  for  his  goodness  toward  me.  May  the  Lord 
direct  mo  by  his  counsel  and  wisdom !  May  he 
overshadow  me  with  his  presence ;  that  I  may  sit 
beneath  the  banner  of  his  love,  and  find  the  con- 
solations of  his  blessed  Spirit  sweet  and  refreshing 
to  my  soul ! 

"  When  I  feel  that  I  am  nothing,  and  God  is 
all  in  all,  then  I  can  willingly  fly  to  him,  saying, 
'  Lord,  help  me ;  Lord,  teach  me ;  be  unto  mo 
my  Prophet,  Priest,  and  King.  Let  me  know  the 
teaching  of  thy  grace,  and  the  disclosing  of  thy 
love.'  What  nearness  of  access  might  we  have 
if  we  lived  more  near  to  God  !  What  sweet  com- 
munion might  we  have  with  a  God  of  love  !  He 
is  the  great  I  AM.  How  glorious  a  name  !  Angels 


THE   dairyman's   DAUGHTER.  117 

with  trembling  awe  prostrate  themselves  before 
him,  and  in  humble  love  adore  and  worship  him. 
One  says, — 

'  While  the  first  archangel  sings, 
He  hides  his  face  behind  his  wings.' 

Unworthy  as  I  am,  I  have  found  it  by  experience, 
that  the  more  I  see  of  the  greatness  and  goodness 
of  God,  and  the  nearer  union  I  hope  I  have  had 
with  him  through  the  Spirit  of  his  love,  the  moro 
humble  and  self-abased  I  have  been. 

"  But  every  day  I  may  say,  '  Lord,  how  little 
I  love  thee,  how  far  I  live  from  thee,  how  little 
I  am  like  thee  in  humility !'  It  is  nevertheless 
my  heart's  desire  to  love  and  serve  him  better.  I 
find  the  way  in  which  God  does  more  particularly 
bless  me,  is  when  I  attend  on  the  public  ordinances 
of  religion.  These  are  the  channels  through  which 
he  conveys  the  riches  of  his  grace  and  precious 
love  to  my  soul.  These  I  have  often  found  to  be 
indeed  the  time  of  refreshing  and  strengthening 
from  the  presence  of  the  Lord.  Then  I  can  see 
my  hope  of  an  interest  in  the  covenant  of  his 
love,  and  praise  him  for  his  mercy  to  the  greatest 
of  sinners. 

"I  earnestly  wish  to  be  more  established  in 
his  ways,  and  to  honour  him  in  the  path  of  duty, 
while  I  enjoy  the  smiles  of  his  favour.  In  the 
midst  of  all  outward  afflictions  I  pray  that  I  may 


118  THE  dairyman's   DAUaHTER. 

know  Christ  and  the  power  of  his  resurrection 
within  my  soul.  If  I  were  always  thus,  my  sum- 
mer would  last  all  the  year ;  my  will  would  then 
be  sweetly  lost  in  God's  will,  and  I  should  feel  a 
resignation  to  every  dispensation  of  his  providence 
and  his  grace,  saying,  '  Good  is  the  will  of  the 
Lord :  infinite  wisdom  cannot  err.'  Then  would 
patience  have  its  perfect  work. 

"  But  alas !  sin  and  unbelief  often,  too  often, 
interrupt  these  frames,  and  lay  me  low  before  God 
in  tears  of  sorrow.  I  often  think  what  a  happi- 
ness it  would  be,  if  his  love  were  so  fixed  in  my 
heart,  that  I  might  willingly  obey  him  with  alac- 
rity and  delight,  and  gradually  mortify  the  power 
of  self-will,  passion,  and  pride.  This  can  only 
arise  from  a  good  hope  through  grace,  that  we 
are  washed  in  that  precious  blood  which  cleanses 
us  from  every  sinful  stain,  and  makes  us  new 
creatures  in  Christ.  0  that  we  may  be  the  happy 
witnesses  of  the  saving  power  and  virtue  of  that 
healing  stream  which  flows  from  the  fountain  of 
everlasting  love ! 

"  Sir,  my  faith  is  often  exceedingly  weak :  can 
you  be  so  kind  as  to  tell  me,  what  you  have  found 
to  be  the  most  eflPectual  means  of  strengthening 
it  ?  I  often  think  how  plainly  the  Lord  declares, 
'  Believe  only,  and  thou  shalt  be  saved.  Only 
have  faith ;  all  things  are  possible  to  him  that  has 


THE  dairyman's   DAUGHTER.  119 

it.'  How  I  wish  that  we  could  remove  all  those 
mountains  that  hinder  and  obstruct  the  light  of 
his  grace ;  so  that  having  full  access  unto  God 
through  that  ever-blessed  Spirit,  we  might  lovingly 
commune  with  him  as  with  the  dearest  of  friends. 
What  favour  doth  God  bestow  on  worms  !  And 
yet  we  love  to  murmur  and  complain.  He  may 
well  say,  What  should  I  have  done  more,  that  I 
have  not  done  ?  or  wherein  have  I  proved  un- 
faithful or  unkind  to  my  faithless  backsliding 
children  ? 

"  Sir,  I  pray  that  I  may  not  grieve  him,  as  I 
have  done,  any  more.  I  want  your  counsel  and 
your  prayers  for  me  in  this  matter.  How  refresh- 
ing is  the  sight  of  one  that  traly  loves  God,  that 
bears  his  image  and  likeness  ! 

"But  delightful  as  is  conversation  with  true 
believers  on  earth,  whose  hearts  are  lifted  up  to 
things  above,  yet  what  is  this  to  that  happy  day 
which  will  admit  us  into  more  bright  realms; 
where  we  shall  for  ever  behold  a  God  of  love  in 
the  smiling  face  of  his  Son,  who  is  the  express 
image  of  his  Father  and  the  brightness  of  his 
glory  ?  Then,  if  found  in  him,  we  shall  be  received 
by  the  innumerable  hosts  of  angels  who  wait 
around  his  throne. 

"  In  the  mean  time,  sir,  may  I  take  up  my  cross 
and  manfully  fight  under  Him,  who,  for  the  glory 


120  THE  dairyman's  daughter. 

that  was  set  before  him,  endured  the  cross,  despised 
the  shame,  and  is  now  set  down  at  his  Father's 
right  hand  in  majesty  !  I  thank  you  for  the  kind 
liberty  you  have  given  me  of  writing  to  you.  I 
feel  my  health  declining,  and  I  find  a  relief  during 
an  hour  of  pain  and  weakness  in  communicating 
these  thoughts  to  you. 

"I  hope,  sir,  you  go  on  your  way  rejoicing; 
that  you  are  enabled  to  thank  Him  who  is  the 
(liver  of  every  good  gift,  spiritual,  temporal,  and 
providential,  for  blessings  to  yourself  and  your 
ministry.  I  do  not  doubt  but  you  often  meet 
with  circumstances  which  are  not  pleasing  to  na- 
ture, yet,  by  the  blessing  of  God,  they  will  all  be 
profitable  in  the  end.  They  are  kindly  designed 
by  grace  to  make  and  keep  us  humble.  The  diffi- 
culties which  you  spoke  of  to  me  some  time  since 
will,  I  trust,  disappear. 

"  My  dear  father  and  mother  are  as  well  as  usual 
in  bodily  health,  and  I  hope  grow  in  grace,  and 
in  the  knowledge  and  love  of  Jesus  Christ.  My 
chief  desire  to  live  is  for  their  sakes.  It  now 
seems  long  since  we  have  seen  you.  I  am  almost 
ashamed  to  request  you  to  come  to  our  little  cot- 
tage to  visit  those  who  are  so  much  below  your 
Btation  in  life.  But  if  you  cannot  come,  we  shall 
be  very  glad  if  you  will  write  a  few  lines.  I  ought 
to  make  an  excuse  for  my  letter,  I  spell  so  badly  : 


THE  dairyman's   DAUGHTER.  121 

this  was  a  great  neglect  when  I  was  j-oung.  I 
gave  myself  greatly  to  reading,  but  not  to  the 
other,  and  now  I  am  too  weak  and  feeble  to  learn 
much. 

"I  hear  sometimes  of  persons  growing  serious 
in  your  congregation.  It  gives  me  joy,  and  if 
true,  I  am  sure  it  does  so  to  yourself.  I  long  for 
the  pure  gospel  of  Christ  to  be  preached  in  every 
church  in  the  world,  and  for  the  time  when  all 
shall  know,  love,  and  fear  the  Lord;  and  the 
uniting  Spirit  of  God  shall  make  them  of  one 
heart  and  mind  in  Christ  our  great  Head.  Your 
greatest  joy  I  know  will  be  in  labouring  much  for 
the  glory  of  God  in  the  salvation  of  men's  souls. 
You  serve  a  good  Master.  You  have  a  sure  re- 
ward. I  pray  God  to  give  you  strength  according 
to  your  day. 

•''  Pray,  sir,  do  not  be  offended  at  the  freedom 
and  manner  of  my  writing.  My  parents'  duty 
and  love  to  you  are  sent  with  these  lines,  from 

"Your  humble  servant  in  Christ, 

"Elizabeth  Wallbridge." 

Epistolary  communications,  when  written  in 
sincerity  of  heart,  afford  genuine  portraits  of  the 
mind.  May  the  foregoing  be  viewed  with  Chris- 
tian candour,  and  consecrated  to  affectionate  me- 
mory ! 

11 


122         THE  dairyman's  daughter. 


PART  VI. 

Travellers,  as  they  pass  through  the  country, 
usually  stop  to  inquire  whose  are  the  splendid 
mansions  which  they  discover  among  the  woods 
and  plains  around  them.  The  families,  titles,  for- 
tune or  character  of  the  respective  owners,  engage 
much  attention.  Perhaps  their  houses  are  ex- 
hibited to  the  admiring  stranger.  The  elegant 
rooms,  costly  furniture,  valuable  paintings,  beau- 
tiful gardens  and  shrubberies,  are  universally  ap- 
proved ;  while  the  rank,  fashion,  taste,  and  riches 
of  the  possessor  afford  ample  materials  for  enter- 
taining discussion.  In  the  mean  time,  the  lowly 
cottage  of  the  poor  husbandman  is  passed  by  as 
scarcely  deserving  of  notice.  Yet  perchance  such 
a  cottage  may  often  contain  a  treasure  of  infinitely 
more  value  than  the  sumptuous  palace  of  the  rich 
man ;  even  ''the  pearl  of  great  price."  If  this  be 
set  in  the  heart  of  the  poor  cottager,  it  proves  a 
gem  of  unspeakable  worth,  and  will  shine  among 
the  brightest  ornaments  of  the  Redeemer's  crown, 
in  that  day  when  he  maketh  up  his  "jewels." 

Hence,  the  Christian  traveller,  while  in  common 
with  others  he  bestows  his  due  share  of  applause 
on  the  decorations  of  the  rich,  and  is  not  insensible 
to  the  beauties  and  magnificence  which  are  the 


THE  dairyman's   DAUGHTER.  123 

lawfully  allowed  appendages  of  rank  and  fortune, 
cannot  overlook  the  humbler  dwelling  of  the  poor. 
And  if  he  should  find  that  true  piety  and  grace 
beneath  the  thatched  roof,  which  he  has  in  vain 
looked  for  amidst  the  worldly  grandeur  of  the 
rich,  he  remembers  the  declarations  in  the  word 
of  God.  He  sees  with  admiration,  that  "  the  high 
and  lofty  One  that  inhabiteth  eternity,  whose 
name  is  Holy,  who  dwelleth  in  the  high  and  holy 
place,  dwelleth  with  him  also  that  is  of  a  contrite 
and  humble  spirit,"  (Isa.  Ivii.  15,)  and  although 
heaven  is  his  throne,  and  the  earth  his  footstool, 
yet,  when  a  house  is  to  be  built,  and  a  place  of 
rest  to  be  sought  for  himself,  he  says,  ''  To  this 
man  will  I  look,  even  to  him  that  is  poor,  and  of 
a  contrite  spirit,  and  trembleth  at  my  word,"  Isa. 
kii.  1,  2. 

When  a  house  is  thus  tenanted,  faith  beholds 
this  inscription  written  on  the  walls.  The  Lord 
lives  here.  Faith  therefore  cannot  pass  it  by  un- 
noticed, but  loves  to  lift  up  the  latch  of  the  door, 
and  to  sit  down  and  converse  with  the  poor, 
although  perhaps  despised  inhabitant.  Many  a 
sweet  interview  does  Faith  obtain,  when  she  thus 
takes  her  walks  abroad.  Many  such  a  sweet  in- 
terview have  I  myself  enjoyed  beneath  the  roof 
where  dwelt  the  dairyman  and  his  little  family. 

I  soon  perceived  that  his  daughter's  health  was 


124         THE  dairyman's  daughter. 

rapidly  on  the  decline.  The  pale,  wasting  con- 
sumption, which  is  the  Lord's  instrument  for 
removing  so  many  thousands  every  year  from  the 
land  of  the  living,  made  hasty  strides  on  her  con- 
stitution. The  hollow  eye,  the  distressing  cough, 
and  the  often  too  flattering  red  on  the  cheek,  foro- 
told  the  approach  of  death. 

What  a  field  for  usefulness  and  affectionate 
attention  on  the  part  of  ministers  and  Christian 
friends  is  opened  by  the  frequent  attacks  and 
lingering  progress  of  consumptive  illness !  How 
many  such  precious  opportunities  are  daily  lost, 
where  Providence  seems  in  so  marked  a  way  to 
afford  time  and  space  for  serious  and  godly  instruc- 
tion !  Of  how  many  may  it  be  said,  "  The  way 
of  peace  have  they  not  known  I"  for  not  one  friend 
ever  came  nigh  to  warn  them  to  *'  flee  from  the 
wrath  to  come." 

But  the  dairyman's  daughter  was  happily  made 
acquainted  with  the  things  which  belonged  to  her 
everlasting  peace  before  the  present  disease  had 
taken  root  in  her  constitution.  In  my  visits  to 
her,  I  went  rather  to  receive  information  than  to 
impart  it.  Her  mind  was  abundantly  stored  with 
divine  truths,  and  her  conversation  was  truly 
edifying.  The  recollection  of  it  must  ever  produce 
a  thankful  sensation  in  my  heart. 


THE  dairyman's  DAUGHTER.  125 

I  one  day  received  a  short  note  to  the  following 
effect : — 

"  Dear  Sir, — I  should  be  very  glad,  if  your 
convenience  will  allow,  that  you  would  come  and 
see  a  poor  unworthy  sinner :  my  hour-glass  is 
nearly  run  out,  but  I  hope  I  can  see  Christ  to  be 
precious  to  my  soul.  Your  conversation  has  often 
been  blessed  to  me,  and  I  now  feel  the  need  of  it 
more  than  ever.  My  father  and  mother  send  their 
duty  to  you. 

''From  your  obedient  and  unworthy  servant, 
"Elizabeth  Wallbridge." 

I  obeyed  the  summons  that  same  afternoon. 
On  my  arrival  at  the  dairyman's  cottage,  his  wife 
opened  the  door.  The  tears  streamed  down  her 
cheek  as  she  silently  shook  her  head.  Her  heart 
was  full.  She  tried  to  speak,  but  could  not.  I 
took  her  by  the  hand,  and  said, 

"  My  good  friend,  all  is  right,  and  as  the  Lord 
of  wisdom  and  mercy  directs." 

"  0 !  my  Betsey,  my  dear  girl  is  so  bad,  sir : 
what  shall  I  do  without  her  ? — I  thought  I  should 
have  gone  first  to  the  grave,  but " 

"  But  the  Lord  sees  good  that  before  you  die 
yourself,  you  should  behold  your  child  safe  home 
to  glory.     Is  there  no  mercy  in  this  ?" 
11* 


126         THE  dairyman's  dauguter. 

"  0,  dear  sir !  I  am  very  old  and  very  weak ; 
and  she  is  a  dear  child,  the  staff  and  prop  of  a  poor 
old  creature,  as  I  am." 

As  I  advanced,  I  saw  Elizabeth  sitting  by  the 
fireside,  supported  in  an  arm-chair  by  pillows, 
with  every  mark  of  rapid  decline  and  approaching 
death.  A  sweet  smile  of  friendly  complacency 
enlightened  her  pale  countenance,  as  she  said, 

"  This  is  very  kind  indeed,  sir,  to  come  so  soon 
after  I  sent  to  you.  You  find  me  daily  wasting 
away,  and  I  cannot  have  long  to  continue  here. 
My  flesh  and  my  heart  fail ;  but  God  is  the  strength 
of  my  weak  heart,  and  I  trust  will  be  my  portion 
for  ever." 

The  conversation  was  occasionally  interrupted 
by  her  cough  and  want  of  breath.  Her  tone  of 
voice  was  clear,  though  feeble;  her  manner  solemn 
and  collected,  and  her  eye,  though  more  dim  than 
formerly,  by  no  means  wanting  in  liveliness,  as 
she  spoke.  I  had  frequently  admired  the  superior 
language  in  which  she  expressed  her  ideas,  as  well 
as  the  Scriptural  consistency  with  which  she  com- 
municated her  thoughts.  She  had  a  good  natural 
understanding;  and  grace,  as  is  generally  the 
case,  had  much  improved  it.  On  the  present 
occasion  I  could  not  help  thinking  she  was  pecu- 
liarly favoured.  The  whole  strength  of  gracious 
and  natural  attainments  seemed  to  be  in  full  exercise. 


THE   dairyman's  DAUGHTER.  127 

After  taking  my  seat  between  the  daughter  and 
the  mother,  (the  latter  fixing  her  fond  eyes  upon 
her  child  with  great  anxiety  while  we  were  con- 
versing,) I  said  to  Elizabeth, 

"I  hope  you  enjoy  a  sense  of  the  divine  pre- 
sence, and  can  rest  all  upon  Him  who  has  '  been 
with  thee,'  and  has  kept  thee,  'in  all  places  whither 
thou  hast  gone,'  and  will  bring  thee  into  '  the  land 
of  pure  delight,  where  saints  immortal  reign.'  " 

"  Sir,  I  think  I  can.  My  mind  has  lately  been 
sometimes  clouded,  but  I  believe  it  has  been  partly 
owing  to  the  great  weakness  and  suffering  of  my 
bodily  frame,  and  partly  to  the  envy  of  my 
spiritual  enemy,  who  wants  to  persuade  me  that 
Christ  has  no  love  for  me,  and  that  I  have  been  a 
eelf-deceiver." 

"And  do  you  give  way  to  his  suggestions? 
Can  you  doubt  amidst  such  numerous  tokens  of 
past  and  present  mercy  ?" 

"No,  sir,  I  mostly  am  enabled  to  preserve  a 
clear  evidence  of  His  love.  I  do  not  wish  to  add 
to  my  other  sins  that  of  denying  his  manifest 
goodness  to  my  soul.  I  would  acknowledge  it  to 
his  praise  and  glory."     ' 

"  What  is  your  present  view  of  the  state  in 
which  you  were,  before  you  felt  seriously  con- 
cerned about  the  salvation  of  your  soul  ?" 

"  Sir,  I  was  a  proud,  thoughtless  girl,  fond  of 


128  THE  dairyman's  daughter. 

dress  and  finery  ',  I  loved  the  world  and  the  things 
that  are  in  the  world ;  I  lived  in  service  among 
worldly  people,  and  never  had  the  happiness  of 
being  in  a  family  where  worship  was  regarded, 
and  the  souls  of  the  servants  cared  for  either  by 
master  or  mistress.  I  went  once  on  a  Sunday  to 
church,  more  to  see  and  be  seen  than  to  pray  or 
hear  the  word  of  God.  I  thought  I  was  quite 
good  enough  to  be  saved,  and  disliked  and  often 
laughed  at  religious  people.  I  was  in  great  dark- 
ness ;  I  knew  nothing  of  the  way  of  salvation  ;  I 
never  prayed,  nor  was  sensible  of  the  awful  danger 
of  a  prayerless  state.  I  wished  to  maintain  the 
character  of  a  good  servant,  and  was  much  lifted 
up  whenever  I  met  with  applause.  I  was  tolerably 
moral  and  decent  in  my  conduct,  from  motives  of 
carnal  and  worldly  policy ;  but  I  was  a  stranger 
to  God  and  Christ ;  I  neglected  my  soul ;  and  had 
I  died  in  such  a  state,  hell  must,  and  would  justly, 
have  been  my  portion." 

"  How  long  is  it  since  you  heard  the  sermon 
which  you  hope,  through  God's  blessing,  effected 
your  conversion  ?" 

"  About  five  years  ago." 

"  How  was  it  brought  about  ?" 

''  It  was  reported  that  a  Mr.  ,  who  was 

detained  by  contrary  winds  from  embarking  on 
board  ship  as  chaplain  to  a  distant  part  of  the 


THE   dairyman's   DAUGHTER.  129 

world,  was  to  preach  at  church.*     Many 

advised  mc  not  to  go,  for  fear  he  should  turn  my 
head ;  as  they  said  he  held  strange  notions.  But 
curiosity,  and  the  opportunity  of  appearing  in  a 
new  gown,  which  I  was  very  proud  of,  induced  me 
to  ask  leave  of  my  mistress  to  go.  Indeed,  sir,  I 
had  no  better  motives  than  vanity  and  curiosity. 
Yet  thus  it  pleased  the  Lord  to  order  it  for  hia 
own  glory. 

"  I  accordingly  went  to  church,  and  saw  a  great 
crowd  of  people  collected  together.  I  often  think 
of  the  contrary  states  of  my  mind  during  the 
former  and  latter  part  of  the  service.  For  a  while, 
regardless  of  the  worship  of  God,  I  looked  around 
me,  and  was  anxious  to  attract  notice  to  myself. 
My  dress,  like  that  of  too  many  gay,  vain,  and 
silly  servant  girls,  was  much  above  my  station, 
and  very  diiferent  from  that  which  becomes  an 
humble  sinner,  who  has  a  modest  sense  of  pro- 
priety and  decency.  The  state  of  my  mind  wjia 
visible  enough  from  the  foolish  finery  of  my  ap- 
parel. 

"  A't  length  the  clergyman  gave  out  his  text : 
'  Be  ye  clothed  with  humillti/.'  lie  drew  a  com- 
parison between  the  clothing  of  the  body  with 

*  The  reader  is  referred  to  the  Introduction,  where 
this  error  is  corrected. 


130  THE   dairyman's    DAUGHTER. 

that  of  the  soul.  At  a  very  early  part  of  his  dis- 
course I  began  to  feel  ashanaed  of  my  passion  for 
fine  dressing  and  apparel ;  but  when  he  came  to 
describe  the  garment  of  salvation  with  which  a 
Christian  is  clothed,  I  felt  a  powerful  discovery 
of  the  nakedness  of  my  soul.  I  saw  that  I  had 
neither  the  humility  mentioned  in  the  text,  nor 
any  one  part  of  the  true  Christian  character.  I 
looked  at  my  gay  dress,  and  blushed  for  shame 
on  account  of  my  pride.  I  looked  at  the  minister, 
and  he  seemed  to  be  as  a  messenger  sent  from 
heaven  to  open  my  eyes.  I  looked  at  the  con- 
gregation, and  wondered  whether  any  one  else 
felt  as  I  did.  I  looked  at  my  heart,  and  it  ap- 
peared full  of  iniquity.  I  trembled  as  he  spoke, 
and  yet  I  felt  a  great  drawing  of  heart  to  the 
words  he  uttered. 

"  He  opened  the  riches  of  divine  grace  in  God's 
method  of  saving  the  sinner.  I  was  astonished  at 
what  I  had  been  doing  all  the  days  of  my  life. 
He  described  the  meek,  lowly,  and  humble  ex- 
ample of  Christ;  I  felt  proud,  lofty,  vain,  and 
self-consequential.  He  represented  Christ  as  '  wis- 
dom ;'  I  felt  my  ignorance.  He  held  him  forth 
as  ^righteousness;'  I  was  convinced  of  my  own 
guilt.  He  proved  him  to  be  '  sanctification ;'  I 
saw  my  corruption.  He  proclaimed  him  as  '  re- 
demption ;'  I  felt  my  slavery  to  sin,  and  my  cap- 


THE   dairyman's   DAUGHTER.  131 

tivity  to  Satan.  He  concluded  with  an  animated 
address  to  sinners,  in  which  he  exhorted  them  to 
flee  from  the  wrath  to  come,  to  cast  off  the  love 
of  outward  ornaments,  to  put  on  Jesus  Christ,  and 
be  clothed  with  true  humility. 

"  From  that  hour  I  never  lost  sight  of  the  value 
of  my  soul  and  the  danger  of  a  sinful  state.  I 
inwardly  Messed  God  for  the  sermon,  althovTgh 
my  mind  was  in  a  state  of  great  confusion. 

"The  preacher  had  brought  forward  the  ruling 
passion  of  my  heart,  which  was  pride  in  outward 
dress ;  and  by  the  grace  of  God  it  was  made  in- 
strumental to  the  awakening  of  my  soul.  Happy, 
sir,  would  it  be,  if  many  a  poor  girl,  like  myself, 
were  turned  from  the  love  of  outward  adorning 
and  putting  on  of  fine  apparel,  to  seek  that  which 
is  not  corruptible,  even  the  ornament  of  a  meek 
and  quiet  spirit,  which  is  in  the  sight  of  God  of 
great  price. 

"  The  greater  part  of  the  congregation,  unused 
to  such  faithful  and  scriptural  sermons,  disliked 
and  complained  of  the  severity  of  the  preacher ; 
while  a  few,  as  I  afterward  found,  like  myself, 
were  deeply  affected,  and  earnestly  wished  to  hear 
him  again.     But  he  preached  there  no  more. 

"  From  that  time  I  was  led,  through  a  course 
of  private  prayer,  reading,  and  meditation,  to  see 
my  lost  estate  as  a  sinner,  and  the  great  mercy  of 


132         THE  dairyman's  daughter. 

God  tlirougli  Jesus  Christ  in  raising  sinful  dust 
and  ashes  to  a  share  in  the  glorious  happiness  of 
heaven.  And,  0  sir  !  what  a  Saviour  I  have 
found  !  He  is  more  than  I  could  ask  or  desire. 
In  his  fulness  I  have  found  all  that  my  poverty 
could  need ;  in  his  bosom  I  have  found  a  resting- 
place  from  all  sin  and  sorrow ;  in  his  word  I  have 
found  strength  against  doubt  and  unbelief. 

''Were  you  not  soon  convinced,"  I  said,  "that 
your  salvation  must  be  an  act  of  entire  grace  on 
the  part  of  God,  wholly  independent  of  your  own 
previous  works  or  dcserviugs  ?" 

"  Dear  sir,  what  were  my  works  before  I  heard 
that  sermon,  but  evil,  carnal,  selfish,  and  ungodly  ? 
The  thoughts  of  my  heart,  from  my  youth  upward, 
were  only  evil,  and  that  continually.  x\nd  my 
deservings,  what  were  they,  but  the  descrvings  of 
a  fallen,  depraved,  careless  soul,  that  regarded 
neither  law  nor  gospel  ?  Yes,  sir,  I  immediately 
saw  that  if  ever  I  were  saved,  it  must  be  by  the 
free  mercy  of  God,  and  that  the  whole  praise  and 
honour  of  the  work  would  be  his  from  first  to  last." 

"  What  change  did  you  perceive  in  yourself  with 
respect  to  the  world '/" 

"It  appeared  all  vanity  and  vexation  of  spirit. 
I  found  it  necessary  to  my  peace  of  mind  to  come 
out  from  among  them  and  be  separate.  I  gave 
myself  to  prayer ;  and  many  a  happy  hour  of  secret 


THE   dairyman's    DAUGHTER.  133 

delight  I  enjoyed  in  communion  with  God.  Often 
T  mourned  over  my  sins,  and  sometimes  had  a  great 
conflict  through  unbelief,  fear,  temptation  to  return 
back  again  to  my  old  ways,  and  a  variety  of  diffi- 
culties which  lay  in  my  way.  But  He  who  loved 
me  with  an  everlasting  love,  drew  me  by  his  loving- 
kindness,  showed  me  the  way  of  peace,  gradually 
strengthened  me  in  my  resolutions  of  leading  a 
new  life,  and  taught  me,  that  while  without  him 
I  could  do  nothing,  I  yet  might  do  all  things 
through  his  strength." 

"  Did  you  not  find  many  difficulties  in  your 
situation,  owing  to  your  change  of  principle  and 
practice  ?" 

"  Yes,  sir,  every  day  of  my  life.  I  was  laughed 
at  by  some,  scolded  at  by  others,  scorned  by  ene- 
mies, and  pitied  by  friends.  I  was  called  hypo- 
crite, saint,  false  deceiver,  and  many  more  names 
which  were  meant  to  render  me  hateful  in  the 
eight  of  the  world.  But  I  esteemed  the  reproach 
of  the  cross  an  honour.  I  forgave  and  prayed  for 
my  persecutors,  and  remembered  how  very  lately 
I  had  acted  the  same  part  toward  others  myself. 
I  thought  also  that  Christ  endured  the  contra- 
diction of  sinners;  and,  as  the  disciple  is  not  above 
his  Master,  I  was  glad  to  be  in  any  way  conformed 
lo  his  sufferings." 

"  Did  you  not  then  feel  for  your  family  at  home  ?" 
12 


134         THE  dairyman's  daughter. 

"Yes,  that  I  did  indeed,  sir;  they  were  never 
out  of  my  thoughts.  I  prayed  continually  for 
them,  and  had  a  longing  desire  to  do  them  good. 
In  particular  I  felt  for  my  father  and  mother,  as 
they  were  getting  into  years,  and  were  very  igno- 
rant and  dark  in  matters  of  religion." 

"Ay,"  interrupted  her  mother,  sobbing,  "ig- 
norant and  dark,  sinful  and  miserable  we  were, 
till  this  dear  Betsey — this  dear  Betsey — this  dear 
child,  sir,  brought  Christ  Jesus  home  to  her  poor 
father  and  mother's  house." 

"No,  dearest  mother,  say  rather,  Christ  Jesus 
brought  your  poor  daughter  home,  to  tell  you 
what  he  had  done  for  her  soul,  and,  I  hope,  to  do 
the  same  for  yours." 

At  this  moment  the  dairyman  came  in  with 
two  pails  of  milk  hanging  from  the  yoke  on  his 
shoulders.  He  had  stood  behind  the  half-opened 
door  for  a  few  minutes,  and  heard  the  last  sen- 
tences spoken  by  his  wife  and  daughter. 

"  Blessing  and  mercy  upon  her  !"  said  he,  "  it 
is  very  true ;  she  left  a  good  place  of  service  on 
purpose  to  live  with  us,  that  she  might  help  us 
both  in  soul  and  body.  Sir,  don't  she  look  very 
ill  ?     I  think,  sir,  we  shan't  have  her  here  long." 

"Leave  that  to  the  Lord,"  said  Elizabeth. 
"  All  our  times  are  in  his  hand,  and  happy  it  is 
that  they  are.     I  am  willing  to  go;  are  not  you 


THE  dairyman's  DAUGHTER.  135 

willing,  my  father,  to  part  with  me  into  His  hands, 
who  gave  me  to  you  at  first  V 

''Ask  me  any  question  in  the  world  but  that," 
said  the  weeping  father. 

"I  know,"  said  she,  "you  wish  me  to  be  happy." 

"I  do,  I  do,"  answered  he:  "let  the  Lord  do 
with  you  and  us  as  best  pleases  him." 

I  then  asked  her  on  what  her  present  consola- 
tions chiefly  depended,  in  the  prospect  of  ap- 
proaching death. 

"Entirely,  sir,  on  my  view  of  Christ.  When 
I  look  at  myself,  many  sins,  infirmities,  and  im- 
perfections cloud  the  image  of  Christ  which  I  want 
to  see  in  my  own  heart.  But  when  I  look  at  the 
Saviour  himself,  he  is  altogether  lovely;  there  is 
not  one  spot  in  his  countenance,  nor  one  cloud 
over  all  his  perfections. 

"I  think  of  his  coming  in  the  flesh,  and  it  re- 
conciled me  to  the  sufi"erings  of  the  body;  for  he 
had  them  as  well  as  I.  I  think  of  his  temptations, 
and  believe  that  he  is  able  to  succour  me  when  I 
am  tempted.  Then  I  think  of  his  cross,  and  learn 
to  bear  my  own,  I  reflect  on  his  death,  and  long 
to  die  unto  sin,  so  that  it  may  no  longer  have 
dominion  over  me.  I  sometimes  think  on  his 
resurrection,  and  trust  that  he  has  given  me  a 
part  in  it,  for  I  feel  that  my  afi'ections  are  set 
upon  things  above.     Chiefly  I  take  comfort  in 


136  THE  dairyman's  daughter. 

thinking  of  him  as  at  the  right  hand  of  the  Father, 
pleading  my  cause,  and  rendering  acceptable  even 
my  feeble  prayers,  both  for  myself,  and,  as  I  hope, 
for  my  dear  friends. 

"These  are  the  views  which,  through  mercy,  I 
have  of  my  Saviour's  goodness;  and  they  have 
made  me  wish  and  strive  in  my  poor  way  to  serve 
him,  to  give  myself  up  to  him,  and  to  labour  to 
do  my  duty  in  that  state  of  life  into  which  it  has 
pleased  him  to  call  me. 

"A  thousand  times  I  should  have  fallen  and 
fainted,  if  he  had  not  upheld  me.  I  feel  that  I 
am  nothing  without  him.     He  is  all  in  all. 

"Just  so  far  as  I  can  cast  my  care  upon  him,  I 
find  strength  to  do  his  will.  May  he  give  me 
grace  to  trust  him  till  the  last  moment !  I  do  not 
fear  death,  because  I  believe  that  he  has  taken 
away  its  sting.  And  0  !  what  happiness  beyond  I 
— Tell  me,  sir,  whether  you  think  I  am  right. 
I  hope  I  am  under  no  delusion.  I  dare  not  look 
for  my  hope  in  any  thing  short  of  the  entire 
fulness  of  Christ.  When  I  ask  my  own  heart  a 
question,  I  am  afraid  to  trust  it,  for  it  is  treacherous, 
and  has  often  deceived  me.  But  when  I  ask  Christ, 
he  answers  me  with  promises  that  strengthen  and 
refresh  me,  and  leave  me  no  room  to  doubt  his 
power  and  will  to  save.  I  am  in  his  hands,  and 
would  remain  there ;  and  I  do  believe  that  he  will 


THE   DAIRTMAN'S   DAUGHTER.  137 

never  leave  nor  forsake  me,  but  will  perfect  the 
thing  that  concerns  me.  He  loved  me  and  gave 
himself  for  me,  and  I  believe  that  his  gifts  and 
callings  are  without  repentance.  In  this  hope  I 
live;  in  this  hope  I  wish  to  die." 

I  looked  around  me,  as  she  was  speaking,  and 
thought,  "  Surely  this  is  none  other  than  the  house 
of  Grod,  and  the  gate  of  heaven."  Every  thing 
appeared  neat,  cleanly,  and  interesting.  The 
afternoon  had  been  rather  overcast  with  dark 
clouds;  but  just  now  the  setting  sun  shone  brightly 
and  somewhat  suddenly  into  the  room.  It  was 
reflected  from  three  or  four  rows  of  bright  pewter 
plates  and  white  earthenware,  arranged  on  shelves 
against  the  wall;  it  also  gave  brilliancy  to  a  few 
prints  of  sacred  subjects  that  hung  there  also,  and 
served  for  monitors  of  the  birth,  baptism,  cruci- 
fixion, and  resurrection  of  Christ. 

A  large  map  of  Jerusalem,  and  a  hieroglyphic 
of  the  ''old  and  new  man,"  completed  the  deco- 
rations on  that  side  of  the  room.  Clean  as  was 
the  whitewashed  wall,  it  was  not  cleaner  than  the 
rest  of  the  place  and  its  furniture.  Seldom  had 
the  sun  enlightened  a  house  where  order  and  gene- 
ral neatness  (those  sure  attendants  of  pious  poverty) 
were  more  conspicuous. 

This  gleam  of  setting  sunshine  was  emblematical 
of  the  bright  and  serene  close  of  this  young  Chris- 
12« 


138  THE  dairyman's  daughter. 

tian's  departiug  season.  One  ray  happened  to  be 
reflected  from  a  little  looking-glass  upon  her  face. 
Amidst  her  pallid  and  decaying  features  there  ap- 
peared a  calm  resignation,  triumphant  confidence, 
unaffected  humility,  and  tender  anxiety,  -which 
fully  declared  the  feelings  of  her  heart. 

Some  further  affectionate  conversation,  and  a 
short  prayer,  closed  this  interview. 

As  I  rode  home  by  departing  daylight,  a  solemn 
tranquillity  reigned  throughout  the  scene.  The 
gentle  lowing  of  cattle,  the  bleating  of  sheep  just 
penned  in  their  folds,  the  humming  of  the  insects 
of  the  night,  the  distant  murmurs  of  the  sea,  the 
last  notes  of  the  birds  of  day,  and  the  first  warb- 
lings  of  the  nightingale,  broke  upon  the  ear,  and 
served  rather  to  increase  than  lessen  the  peaceful 
serenity  of  the  evening  and  its  corresponding  effects 
on  my  mind.  It  invited  and  cherished  just  sucli 
meditations  as  my  visit  had  already  inspired. 
Natural  scenery,  when  viewed  in  a  Christian  mir- 
ror, frequently  affords  very  beautiful  illustration." 
of  divine  truths.  We  are  highly  favoured  when 
we  can  enjoy  them,  and  at  the  same  time  draw 
near  to  God  in  them. 


THE  dairyman's  DAUGHTER.  139 


PAKT  vn. 

It  is  a  pleasing  consideration,  that  amidst  the 
spiritual  darkness  which  unhappily  prevails  in 
many  parts  of  the  land,  God  nevertheless  has  a 
people.  It  not  unfrequently  happens  that  single 
individuals  are  to  be  found,  who,  though  very  dis- 
advantageously  situated  with  regard  to  the  ordi- 
nary means  of  grace,  have  received  truly  saving 
impressions,  and,  through  a  blessing  on  secret 
meditation,  reading,  and  prayer,  are  led  to  the 
closest  communion  with  Grod,  and  become  emi- 
nently devoted  Christians.  It  is  the  no  small 
error  of  too  many  professors  of  the  present  day,  to 
overlook  or  undervalue  the  instances  of  this  kind 
which  exist.  The  religious  profession  and  opin- 
ions of  some  have  too  much  of  mere  machinery  in 
their  composition.  If  every  wheel,  pivot,  chain, 
spring,  cog,  or  pinion,  be  not  exactly  in  its  place, 
or  move  not  precisely  according  to  a  favourite  and 
prescribed  system,  the  whole  is  rejected  as  un- 
worthy of  regard.  But  happily  the  Lord  knoweth 
them  that  are  his;"  nor  is  the  impression  of  his 
own  seal  wanting  to  characterize  some,  who,  in 
comparative  seclusion  from  the  religious  world, 
"name  the  name  of  Christ,  and  depart  from  ini- 
quity." 


140  THE  dairyman's  DAUGHTER. 

There  are  some  real  Christians  so  peculiarly 
circumstanced  in  this  respect,  as  to  illustrate  the 
poet's  beautiful  comparison, 

"Full  many  a  gem  of  purest  ray  serene 

The  dark  unfathom'd  caves  of  ocean  bear: 
Full  many  a  flower  is  born  to  blush  unseen, 
And  waste  its  sweetness  on  the  desert  air." 

Yet  this  was  not  altogether  the  case  with  the 
dairyman's  daughter.  Her  religion  had  indeed 
ripened  in  seclusion  from  the  world,  and  she  was 
intimately  known  but  to  few;  but  she  lived  use- 
fully, departed  most  happily,  and  left  a  shining 
track  behind  her.  While  I  attempt  a  faint  delinea- 
tion of  it,  may  I  catch  its  influence,  and  become, 
through  inexpressible  mercy,  a  follower  of  "  them 
who  through  faith  and  patience  inherit  the  pro- 
mises !" 

From  the  time  wherein  I  visited  her,  as  de- 
scribed in  a  former  part,  I  considered  her  end  as 
fast  approaching.  One  day  I  received  a  hasty 
summons  to  inform  me  that  she  was  dying.  It 
was  brought  by  a  soldier,  whose  countenance  be- 
spoke seriousness,  good  sense,  and  piety. 

"I  am  sent,  sir,  by  the  father  and  mother  of 
Elizabeth  Wallbridge,  at  her  own  particular  re- 
quest, to  say,  how  much  they  all  wish  to  see  you. 
She  is  going  home,  sir,  very  fast  indeed." 

"  Have  you  known  her  long  ?"  I  replied. 


THE  dairyman's  DAUGHTER.  141 

"About  a  month,  sir:  I  love  to  visit  the  sick; 
and  hearing  of  her  case  from  a  person  who  lives 
close  by  our  camp,  I  went  to  see  her.  I  bless  God 
that  ever  I  did  go.  Her  conversation  has  been 
very  profitable  to  me." 

"  I  rejoice,"  said  I,  "  to  see  in  you,  as  I  trust, 
a  brother  soldier.  Though  we  differ  in  our  out^ 
ward  regimentals,  I  hope  we  serve  under  the  same 
spiritual  Captain.     I  will  go  with  you." 

My  horse  was  soon  ready.  My  military  com- 
panion walked  by  my  side,  and  gratified  me  with 
very  sensible  and  pious  conversation.  He  related 
some  remarkable  testimonies  of  the  esceilent  dis- 
position of  the  dairyman's  daughter,  as  they  ap- 
peared from  recent  intercourse  which  he  had  had 
with  her. 

"She  is  a  bright  diamond,  sir,"  said  the  soldier, 
"and  will  soon  shine  brighter  than  any  diamond 
upon  earth." 

We  passed  through  lanes  and  fields,  over  hills 
and  valleys,  by  open  and  retired  paths,  sometimes 
crossing  over,  and  sometimes  following  the  wind- 
ings of  a  little  brook,  which  gently  murmured  by 
the  roadside.  Conversation  beguiled  the  distance 
and  shortened  the  apparent  time  of  our  journey, 
till  we  were  nearly  arrived  at  the  dairyman's  cot- 
tage. 

As  we  approached  it,  we  became  silent.  Thoughts 


142  THE  dairyman's  daughter. 

of  death,  eternity,  and  salvation,  inspired  by  the 
sight  of  a  house  where  a  dying  believer  lay,  filled 
my  own  mind,  and  I  doubt  not  that  of  my  com- 
panion also. 

No  living  object  yet  appeared  except  the  dairy- 
man's dog,  keeping  a  kind  of  mute  watch  at  the 
door;  for  he  did  not,  as  formerly,  bark  at  my  ap- 
proach. He  seemed  to  partake  so  far  of  the  feel- 
ings appropriate  to  the  circumstances  of  the  family, 
as  not  to  wish  to  give  a  hasty  or  painful  alarm. 
He  came  forward  to  the  little  wicket-gate,  and 
then  looked  back  at  the  house-door,  as  if  conscious 
there  was  sorrow  within.  It  was  as  if  he  wanted 
to  say,  "  Tread  softly  over  the  threshold,  as  you 
enter  the  house  of  mourning;  for  my  master's 
heart  is  full  of  grief." 

The  soldier  took  my  horse,  and  tied  it  up  in  a 
shed.  A  solemn  serenity  appeared  to  surround 
the  whole  place :  it  was  only  interrupted  by  the 
breezes  passing  through  the  large  elm-trees,  which 
stood  near  the  house,  and  which  my  imagination 
indulged  itself  in  thinking  were  plaintive  sighs 
of  sorrow.  I  gently  opened  the  door;  no  one 
appeared,  and  all  was  still  silent.  The  soldier 
followed;  we  came  to  the  foot  of  the  stau's. 

"  They  are  come,"  said  a  voice,  which  I  knew 
to  be  the  father's  :  "  they  are  come." 

He  appeared  at  the  top ;  I  gave  him  my  hand 


THE  dairyman's   DAUGHTER.  143 

and  said  nothing.  On  entering  the  room  above, 
I  saw  the  aged  mother  and  her  son  supporting  the 
luuch-loved  daughter  and  sister :  the  son's  wife 
sat  weeping  in  a  window-seat,  with  a  child  on  her 
lap ;  two  or  three  persons  attended  in  the  room  to 
discharge  any  office  which  friendship  or  necessity 
might  require. 

I  sat  down  by  the  bed-side.  The  mother  could 
not  weep,  but  now  and  then  sighed  deeply  as  she 
alternately  looked  at  Elizabeth  and  me.  The  big 
tear  rolled  down  the  brother's  cheek,  and  testified 
an  affectionate  regard.  The  good  old  man  stood 
at  the  foot  of  the  bed,  leaning  upon  a  post,  and 
unable  to  take  his  eyes  off  the  child  from  whom 
he  was  so  soon  to  part. 

Elizabeth's  eyes  were  closed,  and  as  yet  she  per- 
ceived me  not.  But  over  the  face,  though  pale, 
sunk,  and  hollow',  the  peace  of  God,  which  passeth 
all  understanding,  had  cast  a  triumphant  calm. 

The  soldier,  after  a  short  pause,  silently  reached 
out  his  Bible  toward  me,  pointing  with  his  finger 
at  1  Cor.  XV.  55,  56,  58.  I  then  broke  silence 
by  reading  the  passage,  "  0  death,  where  is  thy 
sting  ?  0  grave,  where  is  thy  victory  ?  The  sting 
of  death  is  sin,  and  the  strength  of  sin  is  the  law. 
But  thanks  be  to  God,  which  giveth  us  the  victory 
through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ." 

At  the  sound  of  these  words,  her  eyes  opened, 


144  THE  dahiyman's  daughter. 

and  something  like  a  ray  of  divine  light  beamed 
on  her  countenance,  as  she  said,  "  Victory,  vic- 
tory !"  through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ." 

She  relapsed  again,  taking  no  further  notice  of 
any  one  present. 

"God  be  praised  for  the  triumph  of  faith!" 
said  I. 

"  Amen  I"  replied  the  soldier. 

The  dairyman's  uplifted  eye  showed  that  the 
amen  was  in  his  heart,  though  his  tongue  failed 
to  utter  it. 

A  short  struggling  for  breath  took  place  in  the 
dying  young  woman,  which  was  soon  over;  and 
then  I  said  to  her, 

''  IMy  dear  friend,  do  you  not  feel  that  you  are 
supported  ?" 

"  The  Lord  deals  very  gently  with  me,"  sho 
replied. 

"Are  not  his  promises  now  very  precious  to 


you 


?" 


"  They  are  all  yea  and  amen  in  Christ  Jesus." 
"  Are  you  in  much  bodily  pain  ?" 
"  So  little  that  I  almost  forget  it." 
"  How  good  the  Lord  is  !" 
"  And  how  unworthy  am  I !" 
"You  arc  going  to  sec  him  as  he  is." 
"  I  think — I  hope — I  believe  that  I  am."    She 
a^aiu  fell  into  a  short  slumber. 


THE   dairyman's   DAUGHTER.  145 

Looking  at  Ler  mother,  I  said,  "  What  a  mercy 
to  have  a  child  so  near  heaven  as  yours  is  !" 

"  And  what  a  mercy,"  she  replied,  in  broken 
accents,  "  if  her  poor  old  mother  might  but  follow 
her  there  !     But,  sir,  it  is  so  hard  to  part !" 

"  I  hope  through  grace  by  faith  you  will  soon 
meet  to  part  no  more  :  it  will  be  but  a  little 
whUe." 

"Sir,"  said  the  dairyman,  "that  thought  sup- 
ports me,  and  the  Lord's  goodness  makes  me  feel 
more  reconciled  than  I  was." 

"  Father — mother," — said  the  reviving  daugh- 
ter, "he  is  good  to  me — trust  him,  praise  him 
evermore." 

"Sir,"  added  she,  in  a  faint  voice,  "I  want  to 
thank  you  for  your  kindness  to  me — I  want  to  ask 
a  favour ; — you  buried  my  sister — will  you  do  the 
same  for  me  ?" 

"  All  shall  be  as  you  wish,  if  God  permit,"  I 
replied. 

"Thank  you,  sir,  thank  you; — I  have  another 
favour  to  ask — ^when  I  am  gone,  remember  my 
father  and  mother.  They  are  old,  but  I  hope  the 
good  work  is  begun  in  their  souls — 3Iy  prayers 
are  heard — Pray  come  and  see  them — I  cannot 
speak  much,  but  I  want  to  speak  for  their  sakes — 
Sir,  remember  them." 

The  aged  parents  now  sighed  and  sobbed  aloud, 

13 


146  THE   DAIRY JI an' S   DAUGHTER, 

uttering  broken  sentences,  and  gained  some  relief 
by  such  an  expression  of  their  feelings. 

At  length  I  said  to  Elizabeth,  "Do  you  expe- 
rience any  doubts  or  temptations  on  the  subject  of 
your  eternal  safety  T' 

"  No,  sir :  the  Lord  deals  very  gently  with  me, 
and  gives  me  peace." 

"What  are  your  views  of  the  dark  valley  of 
death,  now  that  you  are  passing  through  it  ?" 

"It  is  not  dark." 

"Why  so?" 

"  My  Lord  is  there,  and  he  is  my  light  and  my 
salvation." 

"  Have  you  any  fears  of  more  bodily  suffering?" 

"The  Lord  deals  so  gently  with  me;  I  can  trust 
him." 

Something  of  a  convulsion  came  on.  When  it 
was  past,  she  said  again  and  again, 

"  The  Lord  deals  very  gently  with  me.  Lord, 
I  am  thine,  save  me — Blessed  Jesus — precious 
Saviour — His  blood  cleanseth  from  all  sin — Who 
shall  separate  ? — His  name  is  Wonderful — Thanks 
be  to  God — He  giveth  us  the  victory — I,  even  I, 
am  saved — 0  grace,  mercy,  and  wonder — Lord, 
receive  my  spirit !  Dear  sir — dear  father,  mother, 
friend^,  I  am  going — but  all  is  well,  well,  well — " 

She  relapsed  again — we  knelt  down  to  prayer — 
the  Lord  was  in  the  midst  of  us,  and  blessed  us. 


THE   dairyman's   DAUGHTER.  147 

She  did  not  again  revive  while  I  remained,  nor 
ever  speak  any  more  words  which  could  be  under- 
stood. She  slumbered  for  about  ten  hours,  and 
at  last  sweetly  fell  asleep  in  the  arms  of  that  Lord 
who  had  dealt  so  gently  with  her. 

I  left  the  house  an  hour  after  she  had  ceased  to 
speak.  I  pressed  her  hand  as  I  was  taking  leave, 
and  said,  "Christ  is  the  resurrection  and  the  life." 
She  gently  returned  the  pressure,  but  could  neither 
open  her  eyes  nor  utter  a  repl}'. 

I  never  had  witnessed  a  scene  so  impressive  as 
this  before.  It  completely  filled  my  imagination 
as  I  returned  home. 

"Farewell,"  thought  I,  "dear  friend,  till  the 
morning  of  an  eternal  day  shall  renew  our  personal 
intercourse.  Thou  wast  a  brand  plucked  from  the 
burning,  that  thou  mightest  become  a  star  shining 
in  the  firmament  of  glory.  I  have  seen  thy  light 
and  thy  good  works,  and  will  therefore  glorify  our 
Father  which  is  in  heaven.  I  have  seen  in  thy 
example,  what  it  is  to  be  a  sinner  freely  saved  by 
grace.  I  have  learned  from  thee,  as  in  a  living- 
mirror,  who  it  is  that  begins,  continues,  and  ends 
the  work  of  faith  and  love.  Jesus  is  all  in  all : 
he  will  and  shall  be  glorified.  He  won  the  crown, 
and  alone  deserves  to  wear  it.  May  no  one  attempt 
to  rob  him  of  his  glory !  He  saves,  and  saves  to 
the  uttermost.     Farewell,  dear  sister  in  the  Lord, 


148         THE  dairyman's  daughter. 

Thy  flesh  and  thy  heart  may  fail ;  but  God  is  the 
strength  of  thy  heart,  and  shall  be  thy  portion  foy 
ever." 


PART  VIII. 

Who  can  conceive  or  estimate  the  nature  of 
that  change  which  the  soul  of  a  believer  must 
experience  at  the  moment  when,  quitting  its  taber- 
nacle of  clay,  it  suddenly  enters  into  the  presence 
of  God?  If,  even  while  ''we  see  through  a  glass 
darkly,"  the  views  of  divine  love  and  wisdom  are 
so  delightful  to  the  eye  of  faith;  what  must  be 
the  glorious  vision  of  God,  when  seen  face  to  face  ? 
If  it  be  so  valued  a  privilege  here  on  earth  to 
enjoy  the  communion  of  saints,  and  to  take  sweet 
counsel  together  with  our  fellow-travellers  toward 
the  heavenly  kingdom;  what  shall  we  see  and 
know  when  we  finally  "come  unto  Mount  Zion, 
and  unto  the  city  of  the  living  God,  the  heavenly 
Jerusalem,  and  to  an  innumerable  company  of 
angels,  to  the  general  assembly  and  church  of  the 
first-born  which  are  written  in  heaven,  and  to  God 
the  Judge  of  all,  and  to  the  spirits  of  just  men 
made  perfect,  and  to  Jesus  the  Mediator  of  the 
new  covenant  ?" 

If,  during  the  sighs  and  tears  of  a  mortal  pil- 


THE  dairyman's  DAUGHTER.  149 

grimage,  the  consolations  of  the  Spirit  are  so  pre- 
cious, and  the  hope  of  full  immortality  is  so  animat- 
ing to  the  soul ;  what  heart  can  conceive,  or  what 
tongue  utter  its  superior  joys,  when  arrived  at 
that  state  where  sighing  and  sorrow  flee  away,  and 
the  tears  shall  be  wiped  from  every  eye  ? 

Such  ideas  were  powerfully  associated  together 
in  my  imagination,  as  I  travelled  onward  to  the 
house,  where,  in  solemn  preparation  for  the  grave, 
lay  the  remains  of  the  dairyman's  daughter. 

She  had  breathed  her  last  shortly  after  the  visit 
related  in  my  former  account.  Permission  was 
obtained,  as  before  in  the  case  of  her  sister,  that 
I  should  perform  the  funeral  service.  JMany 
pleasing  yet  melancholy  thoughts  were  connected 
with  the  fulfilment  of  this  task.  I  retraced  the 
numerous  and  important  conversations  which  I 
had  held  with  her.  But  these  could  now  no  longer 
be  maintained  on  earth.  I  reflected  on  the  in- 
teresting and  improving  nature  of  Christian  friend- 
ships, whether  formed  in  palaces  or  in  cottages; 
and  felt  thankful  that  I  had  so  long  enjoyed  that 
privilege  with  the  subject  of  this  memorial.  I  then 
indulged  a  selfish  sigh  for  a  moment,  on  thinking 
that  I  could  no  longer  hear  the  great  truths  of 
Christianity  uttered  by  one  who  had  drunk  so  deep 
of  the  waters  of  the  river  of  life.  But  the  rising 
murmur  was  checked  by  the  animating  thought : 


150  THE   dairyman's   DAUGHTER. 

"  She  is  gone  to  eternal  rest — could  I  wish  her 
back  again  in  this  vale  of  tears  ?" 

At  that  moment  the  first  sound  of  a  toUine  bell 
struck  my  ear.  It  proceeded  from  a  village  church 
in  the  valley  directly  beneath  the  ridge  of  a  high 
hill,  over  which  I  had  taken  my  way.  It  was 
Elizabeth's  funeral  knell. 

The  sound  was  solemn;  and  in  ascending  to  the 
elevated  spot  over  which  I  rode,  it  acquired  a 
peculiar  tone  and  character.  Tolling  at  slow  and 
regulated  intervals,  (as  was  customary  for  a  con- 
siderable time  previous  to  the  hour  of  burial,)  the 
bell,  as  it  were,  proclaimed  the  blessedness  of  the 
dead  who  die  in  the  Lord,  and  also  the  necessity 
of  the  living  pondering  these  things,  and  laying 
them  to  heart.  It  seemed  to  say,  "  Hear  my  warn- 
ing voice,  thou  son  of  man.  There  is  but  a  step 
between  thee  and  death.  Arise,  prepare  thine 
house,  for  thou  shalt  die,  and  not  live." 

The  scenery  was  in  unison  with  that  tranquil 
frame  of  mind  which  is  most  suitable  for  holy 
meditation.  A  rich  and  fruitful  valley  lay  imme- 
diately beneath:  it  was  adorned  with  corn-fields 
and  pastures,  through  which  a  small  river  wound 
in  a  variety  of  directions,  and  many  herds  grazed 
upon  its  banks.  A  fine  range  of  opposite  hills, 
covered  with  grazing  flocks,  terminated  with  a  bold 
sweep  into  the  ocean,  whose  blue  waves  appeared 


THE  dairyman's   DAUGHTER.  151 

at  a  distance  beyond.  Several  villages,  hamlets, 
and  churches,  were  scattered  in  the  valley.  The 
noble  mansions  of  the  rich,  and  the  lowly  cottages 
of  the  poor,  added  their  respective  features  to  the 
landscape.  The  air  was  mild,  and  the  declining 
sun  occasioned  a  beautiful  interchange  of  light  and 
shade  upon  the  sides  of  the  hills.  In  the  midst 
of  this  scene,  the  chief  sound  that  arrested  atten- 
tion was  the  bell  tolling  for  the  funeral  of  the 
dairyman's  daughter. 

Do  any  of  my  readers  inquire  why  I  describe 
so  minutely  the  circumstances  of  prospect  scenery 
which  may  be  connected  with  the  incidents  I  re- 
late ?  My  reply  is,  that  the  God  of  redemption 
is  the  Grod  of  creation  likewise  j  and  that  we  are 
taught  in  every  part  of  the  word  of  God  to  unite 
the  admiration  of  the  beauties  and  wonders  of 
nature  to  every  other  motive  for  devotion.  When 
David  considered  the  heavens,  the  work  of  God's 
fingers,  the  moon  and  the  stars,  which  he  has  or- 
dained, he  was  thereby  led  to  the  deepest  humilia- 
tion of  heart  before  his  Maker.  And  when  he 
viewed  the  sheep  and  the  oxen,  and  the  beasts  of 
the  field,  the  fowl  of  the  air  and  the  fish  of  the 
sea,  he  was  constrained  to  cry  out,  "  0  Lord,  our 
Lord ;  how  excellent  is  thy  name  in  all  the  earth  V 

I  am  the  poor  man's  friend,  and  wish  more  es- 
pecially that  every  poor  labouring  man   should 


152  THE   dairyman's  DAUaHTER. 

know  how  to  connect  the  goodness  of  God  in 
creation  and  providence  with  the  unsearchable 
riches  of  his  grace  in  the  salvation  of  a  sinner. 
And  where  can  he  learn  this  lesson  more  in- 
structively than  in  looking  around  the  fields  where 
his  labour  is  appointed,  and  there  tracing  the 
handy-work  of  Grod  in  all  that  he  beholds  ?  Such 
meditations  have  often  afforded  me  both  profit  and 
pleasure,  and  I  wish  my  readers  to  share  them 
with  me. 

The  dairyman's  cottage  was  rather  more  than  a 
mile  distant  from  the  church.  A  lane,  quite  over- 
shaded  with  trees  and  high  hedges,  led  from  the 
foot  of  the  hill  to  his  dwelling.  It  was  impossible 
at  that  time  to  overlook  the  suitable  gloom  of 
such  an  approach  to  the  house  of  mourning. 

I  found,  on  my  entrance,  that  several  Christian 
friends,  from  difi'erent  parts  of  the  neighbourhood, 
had  assembled  together,  to  pay  their  last  tribute 
of  esteem  and  regard  to  the  memory  of  the  dairy- 
man's daughter.  Several  of  them  had  first  be- 
come acquainted  with  her  during  the  latter  stage 
of  her  illness  j  some  few  had  maintained  an  affec- 
tionate intercourse  with  her  for  a  longer  period. 
But  all  seemed  anxious  to  manifest  their  respect 
for  one  who  was  endeared  to  them  by  such  striking 
testimonies  of  true  Christianity. 

I  was  requested  to  go  into  the  chamber  where 


THE  dairyman's  DAUGHTER.  153 

the  relatives  and  a  few  other  ft'iends  were  gone  to 
take  a  last  look  at  the  remains  of  Elizabeth. 

It  is  not  easy  to  describe  the  sensation  which 
the  mind  experiences  on  the  first  sight  of  a  dead 
countenance,  which,  when  living,  was  loved  and 
esteemed  for  the  sake  of  that  soul  which  used  to 
give  it  animation.  A  deep  and  awful  view  of  the 
separation  that  has  taken  place  between  the  soul 
and  body  of  the  deceased,  since  we  last  beheld 
them,  occupies  the  feelings;  our  friend  seems  to 
be  both  near,  and  yet  far  off.  The  most  interest- 
ing and  valuable  part  has  fled  away;  what  remains 
is  but  the  earthly  perishing  habitation,  no  longer 
occupied  by  its  tenant.  Yet  the  features  present 
the  accustomed  association  of  friendly  intercourse. 
For  one  moment,  we  could  think  them  asleep. 
The  next  reminds  us  that  the  blood  circulates  no 
more ;  the  eye  has  lost  its  power  of  seeing,  the 
ear  of  hearing,  the  heart  of  throbbing,  and  the 
limbs  of  moving.  Quickly,  a  thought  of  glory 
breaks  in  upon  the  mind,  and  we  imagine  the 
dear  departed  soul  to  be  arrived  at  its  long-wished- 
for  rest.  It  is  surrounded  by  cherubim  and  se- 
raphim, and  sings  the  song  of  3Ioses  and  the 
Lamb  on  Mount  Zion.  Amid  the  solemn  stillness 
of  the  chamber  of  death,  imagination  hears  hea- 
venly hymns  chanted  by  the  spirits  of  just  men 
made  perfect.     In  another  moment  the  livid  lips 


154         THE  dairyman's  daughter. 

and  sunken  eye  of  the  clay-cold  corpse  recall  our 
thoughts  to  earth,  and  to  ourselves  again.  And 
while  we  think  of  mortality,  sin,  death,  and  the 
grave,  we  feel  the  prayer  rise  in  our  bosom,  "  0 
let  me  die  the  death  of  the  righteous,  and  let  my 
last  end  be  like  his  I" 

If  there  be  a  moment  when  Christ  and  salva- 
tion, death,  judgment,  heaven,  and  hell,  appear 
more  than  ever  to  be  momentous  subjects  of 
meditation,  it  is  that  which  brings  us  to  the  side 
of  a  coffin  containing  the  body  of  a  departed  be- 
liever. 

Elizabeth's  features  were  altered,  but  much  of 
her  likeness  remained.  Her  father  and  mother 
sat  at  the  head,  her  brother  at  the  foot  of  the 
coffin.  The  father  silently  and  alternately  looked 
upon  his  dear  child,  and  then  lifted  up  his  eyes  to 
heaven.  A  struggle  for  resignation  to  the  will  of 
God  was  manifest  in  his  countenance ;  while  the 
tears  rolling  down  his  aged  cheeks,  at  the  same 
time  declared  his  grief  and  affection.  The  poor 
mother  cried  and  sobbed  aloud,  and  appeared  to 
be  much  overcome  by  the  shock  of  separation  from 
a  daughter  so  justly  dear  to  her.  The  weakness 
and  infirmity  of  old  age  added  a  character  to  her 
sorrow,  which  called  for  much  tenderness  and 
compassion. 

A  remarkably  decent-looking  woman,  who  had 


THE   D^ilRYMAN's   DAUGHTER.  155 

the  management  of  the  few  simple  though  solemn 
ceremonies  which  the  case  required;  advanced 
toward  me,  saying, 

"Sir,  this  is  rather  a  sight  of  joy  than  of  sor- 
row. Our  dear  friend  Elizabeth  finds  it  to  be  so, 
I  have  no  doubt.  She  is  beyond  all  sorrow :  do 
you  not  think  she  is,  sir?" 

"After  what  I  have  known,  and  seen,  and 
heard,"  I  replied,  "I  feel  the  fullest  assurance, 
that,  while  her  body  remains  here,  her  soul  is  with 
her  Saviour  in  paradise.  She  loved  him  here,  and 
there  she  enjoys  the  pleasures  which  are  at  his 
right  hand  for  evermore." 

"Mercy,  mercy  upon  a  poor  old  creature  almost 
broken  down  with  age  and  grief  I — What  shall  I 
do? — Betsey's  gone.  My  daughter's  dead. — 0 
my  child !  I  shall  never  see  thee  more. — God  be 
merciful  to  me,  a  sinner  !"  sobbed  out  the  poor 
mother. 

"That  last  prayer,  my  dear  good  woman,"  said 
I,  "  will  bring  you  and  your  child  together  again. 
It  is  a  cry  that  has  brought  thousands  to  glory. 
It  brought  your  daughter  there,  and  I  hope  it 
will  bring  you  thither  likewise.  God  will  in  no 
wise  cast  out  any  that  come  to  him." 

"  ]My  dear,"  said  the  dairyman,  breaking  the 
long  silence  he  had  maintained,  "let  us  trust  God 
with  our  child ;  and  let  us  trust  him  with  our  own- 


156    THE  dairyman's  daughter. 

selves.  '  The  Lord  gave,  and  the  Lord  hath  taken 
away ;  blessed  be  the  name  of  the  Lord !'  We 
are  old,  and  can  have  but  a  little  further  to  travel 

in  our  journey,  and  then "     He  could  say 

no  more. 

The  soldier  mentioned  before,  reached  a  Bible 
into  my  hand,  and  said,  "  Perhaps,  sir,  you  would 
not  object  to  reading  a  chapter  before  we  go  to  the 
church  ?" 

I  did  so ;  it  was  the  fourteenth  of  the  book  of 
Job.  A  sweet  tranquillity  prevailed  while  I  read 
it.  Each  minute  that  was  spent  in  this  funeral 
chamber  seemed  to  be  valuable.  I  made  a  few 
observations  on  the  chapter,  and  connected  them 
with  the  case  of  our  departed  sister. 

"  I  am  but  a  poor  soldier,''  said  our  military 
friend,  "  and  have  nothing  of  this  world's  goods 
beyond  my  daily  subsistence ;  but  I  would  not 
exchange  my  hope  of  salvation  in  the  next  world 
for  all  that  this  world  could  bestow  without  it. 
What  is  wealth  without  grace  ?  Blessed  be  God ! 
as  I  march  about  from  one  quarters  to  another,  I 
still  find  the  Lord  wherever  I  go  j  and  thanks  be 
to  his  holy  name,  he  is  here  to-day  in  the  midst 
of  this  company  of  the  living  and  the  dead.  I 
feel  that  it  is  good  to  be  here." 

Some  other  persons  present  began  to  take  a 
part  in  our  conversation,  in  the  course  of  which 


THE  dairyman's   DAUGHTER.  167 

the  life  and  experience  of  the  dairyman's  daughter 
Ts^ere  brought  forward  in  a  very  interesting  manner. 
Each  friend  had  something  to  relate  in  testimony 
of  her  gracious  disposition.  A  young  woman, 
under  twenty,  who  had  hitherto  been  a  light  and 
trifling  character,  appeared  to  be  remarkably  im- 
pressed by  the  conversation  of  that  day ;  and  I 
have  since  had  ground  to  believe  that  divine  grace 
then  began  to  influence  her  in  the  choice  of  that 
better  part  which  shall  not  be  taken  from  her. 

What  a  contrast  does  such  a  scene  as  this  ex- 
hibit, when  compared  with  the  dull,  formal,  un- 
edifying,  and  often  indecent  manner,  in  which 
funeral  parties  assemble  in  the  house  of  death. 

As  we  conversed,  the  parents  revived.  Our 
subject  of  discourse  was  delightful  to  their  hearts. 
Their  child  seemed  almost  to  be  alive  again,  while 
we  talked  of  her.  Tearful  smiles  often  brightened 
their  countenances,  as  they  heard  the  voice  of 
friendship  uttering  their  daughter's  praises;  or 
rather  the  praises  of  Him  who  had  made  her  a 
vessel  of  mercy,  and  an  instrument  of  spiritual 
good  to  her  family. 

The  time  for  departing  to  the  church  was  now 
at  hand. 

I  went  to  take  my  last  look  at  the  deceased. 

There  was  much  written  on  her  countenance. 
Slje  had  evidently  died  with  a  smile,  It  stiU  re- 
u 


158  THE  dairyman's  daughter. 

mained,  and  spoke  the  tranquillity  of  her  depart- 
ed soul.  According  to  the  custom  of  the  country, 
she  was  decorated  with  leaves  and  flowers  in  the 
coffin :  she  seemed  as  a  bride  gone  forth  to  meet 
the  bridegroom .  These  indeed  were  fading  flowers, 
but  they  reminded  me  of  that  paradise  whose 
flowers  are  immortal,  and  where  her  never-dying 
soul  is  at  rest. 

I  remembered  the  last  words  which  I  had 
heard  her  speak,  and  was  instantly  struck  with 
the  happy  thought,  that  "death  was  indeed  swal- 
lowed up  in  victory." 

As  I  slowly  retired,  I  said  inwardly,  "  Peace, 
my  honoured  sister,  be  to  thy  memory  and  to  my 
soul,  till  we  meet  in  a  better  world." 

In  a  little  time  the  procession  formed :  it  was 
rendered  the  more  interesting  by  the  consideration 
of  so  many  that  followed  the  coffin  being  persons 
of  a  devoted  and  spiritual  character.  The  distance 
was  rather  more  than  a  mile.  I  resolved  to  con- 
tinue with  and  go  before  them,  as  they  moved 
slowly  onward. 

Immediately  after  the  body  came  the  venerable 
father  and  mother,*  bending  with  age,  and  weep- 

*  The  mother  died  not  long  after  her  daughter,  and 
I  have  good  reason  to  believe,  that  God  was  merciful 
to  her,  and  took  her  to  himself.  The  good  old  dairy- 
man died  in  1816,  at  the  age  of  eighty-four.  His  end 
was  eminently  Christian. 


THE  dairyman's  daughteu.  159 

ing  through  much  aflfection  of  heart.  Their  ap- 
pearance was  calculated  to  excite  every  emotion 
of  pity,  lovC;  and  esteem.  The  other  relatives 
followed  them  in  order,  and  the  several  attendant 
friends  took  their  places  behind. 

After  we  had  advanced  about  a  hundred  yards, 
my  meditation  was  unexpectedly  and  most  agree- 
ably interrupted  by  the  friends  who  attended  be- 
ginning to  sing  a  funeral  psalm.  Nothing  could 
be  more  sweet  or  solemn.  The  well-known  effect 
of  the  open  air  in  softening  and  blending  the 
sounds  of  music  was  here  peculiarly  felt.  The 
road  through  which  we  passed  was  beautiful  and 
romantic.  It  lay  at  the  foot  of  a  hill,  which  oc- 
casionally re-echoed  the  voices  of  the  singers,  and 
seemed  to  give  faint  replies  to  the  notes  of  the 
mourners.  The  funeral  knell  was  distinctly  heard 
from  the  church-tower,  aij^d  greatly  increased  the 
effect  which  this  simple  and  becoming  service  pro- 
duced. 

We  went  by  several  cottages :  a  respectful  at- 
tention was  universally  observed  as  we  passed :  and 
the  countenances  of  many  proclaimed  their  regard 
for  the  departed  young  woman.  The  singing  was 
regularly  continued,  with  occasional  intervals  of 
about  five  minutes,  during  our  whole  progress. 

I  cannot  describe  the  state  of  my  own  mind  as 
peculiarly  connected  with  this  solemn  singing.     I 


160         TiiE  dairyman's  daughter. 

was  reminded  of  elder  times  ^nd  ancient  piety. 
I  wished  the  practice  more  frequent.  It  seems 
well  calculated  to  excite  and  cherish  devotion  and 
religious  affections. 

Music,  when  judiciously  brought  into  the  ser- 
vice of  religion,  is  one  of  the  most  delightful,  and 
not  least  efficacious  means  of  grace.  I  pretend 
not  too  minutely  to  conjecture  as  to  the  actual 
nature  of  those  pleasures  which,  after  the  resur- 
rection, the  re-united  body  and  soul  will  enjoy  in 
heaven;  but  I  can  hardly  persuade  myself  that 
melody  and  harmony  will  be  wanting,  when  even 
the  sense  of  hearing  shall  itself  be  glorified. 

We  at  length  arrived  at  the  church.  Looking 
upward  as  I  drew  near  the  porch,  I  observed  a 
dial  on  the  wall.  The  sun's  declining  rays  di- 
rected the  shadow  to  the  evening  hour.  As  I 
passed  underneath  this  pimple  but  solemn  monir 
tor,  I  was  reminded  of  the  lapse  of  time,  the  un- 
certainty of  life,  and  sure  approach  of  eternity. 

I  thought  with  David,  "  We  are  strangers  be- 
fore thee  and  sojourners,  as  were  all  our  fathers; 
our  days  on  the  earth  are  as  a  shadow,  and  there  is 
none  abiding."  "Lord,  so  teach  us  to  number 
our  days,  that  we  may  apply  our  hearts  unto  wis- 
dom." 

The  service  was  heard  with  deep  and  affectionate 
attention,     When  we  came  to  the  grave,  the  hymn 


THE   dairyman's   DAUC4HTER.  161 

which  Elizabeth  had  selected  was  sung.  All  was 
devout,  simple,  animating.  We  committed  our 
dear  sister's  body  to  the  earth,  in  full  hope  of 
a  joyful  resurrection  from  the  dead. 

Thus  was  the  veil  of  separation  drawn  for  a  sea- 
son. She  is  departed,  and  no  more  seen.  But  she 
loill  be  seen  on  the  right  hand  of  her  Redeemer 
at  the  last  day ;  and  will  again  appear  to  his  glory, 
a  miracle  of  grace  and  monument  of  mercy. 

My  reader,  rich  or  poor,  shall  you  and  I  ap- 
pear there  likewise?  Are  we  "clothed  with  hu- 
mility," and  arrayed  in  the  wedding-garment  of  u 
Redeemer'^  righteousness  ?  Are  we  turned  from 
idols  to  serve  the  living  God  ?  Are  we  sensible 
of  our  own  emptiness,  and  therefore  flying  to  a 
Saviour's  fulness  to  obtain  grace  and  strength? 
Do  we  indord  live  in  Christ,  and  on  him,  and  by 
him,  and  wl.h  him  ?  Is  he  our  all  in  all?  Are 
we  "lost  and  found  ?"  "  dead  and  alive  again  ?" 

My  poor  reader,  the  dairyman's  daughter  was 
a,  poor  girl,  and  the  child  of  a  |:>oor  man.  Herein 
thou  resemblest  her  :  but  dost  thou  resemble  her 
as  she  resembled  Christ?  Art  thou  made  rich 
by  faith  ?  Hast  thou  a  crown  laid  up  for  thee  ? 
Is  thine  heart  set  upon  heavenly  riches  ?  If  not, 
read  this  story  once  more,  and  then  pray  earnestly 
for  like  precious  faith. 

But  if,  through  grace,  thou  dost  love  and  serve 


162         THE  dairyman's  daughter. 

the  Redeemer  that  saved  the  dairyman's  daughter, 
grace,  peace,  and  mercy  be  with  thee  !  The  lines 
are  fallen  unto  thee  in  pleasant  places  :  thou  hast 
a  goodly  heritage.  Press  forward  in  duty,  and 
wait  upon  the  Lord,  possessing  thy  soul  in  holy 
patience.  Thou  hast  just  been  with  me  to  the 
grave  of  a  departed  believer.  Now  "  go  thy  way 
till  the  end  be ;  for  thou  shalt  rest,  and  stand  in 
thy  lot  at  the  end  of  the  days.'' 

A  TRIBUTE  of  affection  has  recently  been  paid 
to  the  memory  of  the  dairyman's  daughter,  by 
raising  a  subscription  and  putting  up  a  grave- 
stone, on  which  the  following  verses  are  in- 
iscribed : — 

"  Stranger !  if  e'er  by  chance  or  feeling  led, 
Upon  this  hallow'd  turf  thy  footsteps  tread, 
Turn  from  the  contemplation  of  the  sod, 
And  think  on  her  whose  spirit  rests  with  God. 
Lowly  her  lot  on  earth, — but  He,  who  bore 
Tidings  of  grace  and  blessings  to  the  poor, 
Gave  her,  his  truth  and  faithfulness  to  prove, 
The  choicest  treasures  of  his  boundless  love, — 
(Faith,  that  dispell'd  affliction's  darkest  gloom; 
Hope,  that  could  cheer  the  passage  to  the  tomb  ;) 
Peace,  that  not  hell's  dark  legions  could  destroy ; 
And  love,  that  fiU'd  the  soul  with  heavenly  joy. 
Death  of  its  sting  disarm'd,  she  knew  no  fear. 
But  tasted  heaven  e'en  while  she  linger'd  here. 
O,  happy  saint, — may  we  like  thee  be  blest ; 
In  life  be  faithful,  and  in  death  find  rest !" 

THE  END. 


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